Manna

Traditional Uses & Why Herbalists Value It

European herbalists use ash-derived manna as a sweet, gentle laxative and emollient material. It is dissolved or incorporated into compound preparations. Other regions use the name for different sweet exudates, so the botanical source must be documented.

What Modern Research Has Found

Composition studies of Fraxinus manna identify mannitol and phenolic compounds and investigate laboratory activity. Mannitol helps explain interest in its osmotic bowel role. Large human trials of standardized manna preparations are limited.

Source & Preparation

Classical Sicilian manna is produced when sap from certain Fraxinus trees dries and solidifies. Because the present formula record says only "Manna," this page does not claim that the ingredient is definitely Fraxinus manna until supplier or label evidence confirms it.

Manna in Formulae

Isabelle's Digestive Tonic lists Manna among its ingredients. The exact botanical source and preparation should be read from the product's current supplier or label documentation when available.

Products Containing This Ingredient

• Isabelle's Digestive Tonic - 2 fl oz (59 mL)

Sources & Further Reading

• Study of Sicilian Fraxinus manna composition
• Review of manna types, composition and traditional uses