FROM hair and skin issues to soil health to resolving family conflicts, here is a remedy that has been in our backyards for centuries. Free of charge and easily accessible, wood ash is proving to be a star among loyal users.

Wood ash is traditionally used in South Africa and other parts of the world for various skin conditions and wound healing due to its antiseptic properties. It can be used as a topical application to help clean wounds, speed up healing, and fight infection. Some traditional uses of wood ash includes treating skin conditions like eczema and to help with insect bites. People use ash for diabetes, arthritis, constipation, bladder problems, and many other conditions. It is also recommended as an insect repellent.

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According to Gogo ODushula, a traditional and spiritual healer, wood ash must be from one’s own yard. It cannot be a random find, she says. “After burning wood, for whatever reason, the pale soft ash can be collected and used for a variety of healing remedies. Spiritually, especially in Africa, ashes are used for so many different things like ‘Back to Sender’ and purification. Also to create a circle of protection and destroy evil charms.
“Families may feud and have long-standing conflicts. This has happened since the beginning of time. One element used to quell the fighting spirit is wood ash. Quarrelling family members sit around and lick the ash while talking things over. At the end, they would wash their hands with water and ash,” she said.

“When twins are born in the family, they tend to be sicker than their siblings. It’s important that wood ash is used to bathe them and occasionally consumed, just a little bit. This keeps them healthier and stronger. For children and adults, wood ash can be mixed with water and used to bathe in case of skin rashes or stubborn wounds. When poison has been ingested, the mixture can be ingested to fight the toxins,” explained Gogo ODushula.

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Dr Phungase Sobika concurs, “Fire represents rage and destruction in the spiritual realm. Therefore, wood ash represents the end of that rage, making way for peace and harmony among family members. It is also beneficial when one experiences foggy and unclear dreams.”

In the gardening and plant world, sprinkled wood ash is used to control pests when dry. Also, it acts as a fertiliser. Gardeners swear by the power of nutrients found in ash. This extends to soil treatment in general, in order to produce healthy vegetables and flowers.

According to Monty’s Glow, a beauty specialist experienced in organic products, wood ash is popular. “The use of wood ash for beauty care is not new. Many tribes in Africa and India have used wood ashes for beauty purposes for centuries. The current trend has taken the use of wood ashes to the home. As in, it’s in everything from detox cleanses (in the form of pills and juices) to teeth whiteners (by adding the powder to toothpaste) to skin treatments. Also an anti-ageing ingredient, ash is said to tighten pores and smooth the skin. It also reduces inflammation.
“Wood ash is said to be beneficial for hair, too, used on its own or mixed with hair products. It may reduce frizz and scalp irritation.”

Fireplace manufacturer Napoleon shared that wood ash may be a messy business, but there are benefits either indoors or outdoors.
“Ash contains phosphorus, potassium, calcium, boron, and other elements that growing plants need to be healthy and strong. Ash is very alkaline and raises ph levels in garden soil; this provides a great place for seeds to grow. Also, domestic uses to cleaning and maintaining one’s home. Like polishing steel and silver, stain removal, and glass cleaner. Best recommended for odour removal too.”

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