European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) has a history of use in traditional European medicine, particularly for its purported anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. Traditionally, extracts from the bark and leaves were employed to alleviate joint pain and swelling, conditions often associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Historical herbal texts from Europe, especially those from the 16th to 19th centuries, document its use for treating rheumatic complaints, gout, and arthritis-like symptoms.

However, scientific validation for these uses remains minimal. Modern clinical studies specifically evaluating the efficacy of European Ash in the treatment of RA are lacking. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that certain compounds found in the plant, such as coumarins and secoiridoids, may exert anti-inflammatory effects, but this evidence is preliminary and has not been translated into robust clinical outcomes for RA patients.

In summary, while European Ash has a well-documented traditional use for the symptomatic treatment of rheumatic diseases, including RA, there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to support its efficacy or recommend it as a standard treatment. Its use today persists mainly in folk medicine and in some herbal preparations, but it should not replace evidence-based therapies for rheumatoid arthritis.