Manna ash: all about the sap mentioned even in the Bible

What is Manna Ash? Sap obtained from the homonymous plant boasts important properties that are worth knowing.

A plant known and used since ancient times, a sap called manna is obtained from a variety of ash . It is a real ally of the organism, which today is extracted only and exclusively in Sicily. Let's find out the properties, uses and contraindications of the manna ash.

Manna ash: properties and benefits

The manna ash is a sap that is extracted from a variety of the homonymous medicinal plant which today is found only in Sicily, where the Ministry for Agricultural and Forestry Policies has elected it a typical product. Known since the dawn of time for its properties, it is even mentioned in the Bible. In the sacred text of the Christian religion, it is given by God to the Israelites as nourishment for their pilgrimage in the desert. Traditions and legends aside, the sap is obtained during the summer season, when it comes out of the ash through incisions that absolutely do not damage the plant. In contact with air, the liquid solidifies quickly.

The tree of manna, or the ash tree, is present today only in some areas of Sicily , precisely in the Madonia Park, between Pollina and Castelbuono, 90 km from Palermo. The sap from the first pressing is considered valuable, while the second is defined as manna scrap. Both 'products', however, boast important properties . It is emollient and laxative, therefore it is recommended to combat constipation and intestinal parasites, in case of poisoning, as a natural purgative and to promote diuresis . Thanks to its expectorant and sedative virtues, it is able to alleviate problems involving the respiratory system. Not only that, in the kitchen it is used as a sweetener instead of sugar.

Manna sap: uses and contraindications

As already pointed out, manna and its plant can be used both in the kitchen and as a natural remedy. In the form of a sweetener it can also be used by diabetics and those who cannot tolerate refined sugar. As an ally of health, however, it has no side effects for anyone, not even for the elderly and children. The only recommendations: those who suffer from intestinal obstructions or subocclusions should keep away from them, as well as those who take certain medicines by mouth.