Prickly Ash (Unspecified)
Other names for Prickly Ash (Unspecified)
ash tree
dried prickly ash bark extract
prickly ash
prickly ash bark
prickly ash bark extract
prickly ash bark extract (4:1)
prickly ash bark glycerite liquid extract
prickly ash bark powder
prickly ash extract
prickly ash extractives
prickly ash glycerite liquid extract
prickly ash powder
prickly ash tree glycerite liquid extract
prickly ash tree leaf glycerite liquid extract
prickly ash tree, powder
trunorin
wildcrafted prickly ash
zanthoxylum
zanthoxyulum
Prickly ash (mixed)
Prickly Ash Bark
Shiny-Leaf Prickly Ash
Southern Prickly Ash
Synopsis of Prickly Ash (Unspecified)
History
Prickly Ash, a term often applied to several species within the Zanthoxylum genus, has a long and esteemed history in traditional medicine, particularly in North America and Asia. Indigenous peoples of North America utilized the bark and berries of Prickly Ash as a remedy for a variety of ailments. It was commonly employed to treat toothaches, hence its nickname "toothache tree," due to its ability to numb pain when chewed. Additionally, it was used as a remedy for digestive complaints, rheumatism, and poor circulation, valued for its warming and stimulating effects on the body.
In traditional herbal medicine, Prickly Ash is recognized as a powerful circulatory stimulant and a tonic for the nervous system. It has been included in remedies for arthritis, muscle pain, and as a supportive agent during convalescence, helping to invigorate and restore vitality. The bark is particularly known for its warming, slightly numbing qualities, making it useful in formulas designed to move stagnant blood and energy.
Prickly Ash is also frequently included in herbal combinations to enhance the effectiveness of other herbs. Herbalists often blend it with botanicals such as ginger, cayenne, and ginseng to promote blood flow and improve the delivery of active constituents throughout the body. Its ability to synergize with other herbs makes it a valuable addition to complex formulas used for conditions ranging from cold extremities to digestive sluggishness. Overall, Prickly Ash remains a cherished herbal ally, contributing a unique set of properties that support holistic wellness and vitality.
Traditional and scientific validation
Prickly Ash is a term commonly referring to several species in the Zanthoxylum genus, including Zanthoxylum americanum and Zanthoxylum bungeanum. Traditionally, Prickly Ash bark and berries have been used in Native American and Chinese herbal medicine for a range of purposes, including as a digestive aid, circulatory stimulant, and remedy for toothaches and joint pain. In Chinese medicine, Prickly Ash (known as Sichuan pepper) is valued for its warming properties and ability to invigorate the flow of Qi.
Scientific interest in Prickly Ash has increased in recent years. Laboratory studies have identified various bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and essential oils, which may contribute to its traditional effects. Some research suggests that Prickly Ash extracts possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. For example, a 2020 review in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology highlighted these activities, while also noting the presence of compounds that may support digestive and circulatory health.
While animal and cell-based studies are promising, human clinical trials are limited. Preliminary studies indicate potential benefits for pain relief, improved blood flow, and gastrointestinal comfort, but robust, large-scale research is still needed to confirm these effects and clarify appropriate dosages and safety profiles. Despite the need for further validation, Prickly Ash remains a respected traditional remedy and a valuable ingredient in nutritional products, offering potential benefits rooted in centuries of medicinal use.
Prickly Ash (Unspecified) is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Backache (Traditional)
Bites and Stings (Traditional)
Boils (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Chest Pain (Traditional)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Colds (with fever) (Traditional)
Congestion (Traditional)
Congestion (bronchial) (Traditional)
Congestion (lungs) (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Dyspepsia (Traditional)
Ear Infection or Earache (Traditional)
Eczema (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Glands (swollen lymph) (Traditional)
Gout (Traditional)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Headache (sinus) (Traditional)
Headache (tension) (Traditional)
Hemorrhoids (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Insomnia (Traditional)
Itching (Traditional)
Prickly Ash (Unspecified) is used to support these body systems
Arteries (Traditional)
Blood (Traditional)
Bronchials (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Gums (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Joints (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lymphatics (Traditional)
Mucus Membranes (Traditional)
Nerves (Traditional)
Reproductive System (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)
