The bark is a diuretic and a febrifuge, and is primarily used to reduce fever, but it is also sometimes taken to expel intestinal worms. The leaves are a cathartic. The leaf tea is a mild purgative and is often used for rheumatism.
Decoctions made from the bark and leaves are a gentle laxative.
Taken regularly, Ash is said to prevent the recurrence of bouts of malaria.