Southern Prickly Ash
Other names for Southern Prickly Ash
prickly ash
prickly ash bark
prickly ash bark extract
prickly ash bark (zanthoxylum clava-herculis) extract
prickly ash extract
prickly ash liquid extract
prickly ash (zanthoxylum clava-herculis) extract
southern prickly ash
southern prickly ash bark extract
southern prickly ash (zanthoxylum americanum) bark extract
southern prickly ash (zanthoxylum clava-herculis) bark extract
zanthoxylum clava-herculis bark extract
Synopsis of Southern Prickly Ash
History
Southern Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum clava-herculis), also known as the toothache tree, holds a distinguished place in traditional herbal medicine, particularly within Native American and early American herbal practices. Historically, the bark and berries of Southern Prickly Ash were cherished for their warming, stimulating, and analgesic properties. Most notably, the bark was chewed or applied directly to alleviate toothaches, earning the tree its colloquial name. Its numbing effect was also used for sore throats, gum pain, and as a topical remedy for various aches.
Beyond pain relief, Southern Prickly Ash was esteemed as a circulatory stimulant, often used to support sluggish blood flow or to warm the extremities in cold weather. Herbalists recommended it as a valuable remedy for rheumatism, arthritis, and digestive issues, such as flatulence and poor appetite. Its stimulating qualities were thought to invigorate the system and promote overall vitality.
In herbal combinations, Southern Prickly Ash acts as a synergist—enhancing the effectiveness of other herbs by increasing circulation and facilitating their absorption. It was commonly blended with herbs like echinacea and goldenseal for immune support, or with cayenne and ginger in formulas designed to boost warmth and energy. Its inclusion in such blends underscores its reputation as a catalyst within traditional medicine.
Today, Southern Prickly Ash continues to be valued by herbalists for its versatile contributions to wellness. Whether used solo or in combination, it exemplifies the enduring worth of traditional botanical remedies and remains a respected ally in natural health.
Traditional and scientific validation
Southern Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum clava-herculis), also known as Hercules’ Club, is a traditional medicinal plant native to the southeastern United States. Historically, Indigenous peoples and early settlers used its bark and berries for a variety of ailments, including toothache, digestive discomfort, and as a circulatory stimulant. The plant was sometimes referred to as the “toothache tree” due to its numbing effects when chewed.
Modern scientific interest has focused on its phytochemical constituents, such as alkaloids and essential oils, which are believed to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Laboratory studies have demonstrated these activities in vitro, suggesting potential health benefits. Some animal studies indicate possible analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, supporting its historical use for pain relief and inflammation.
However, robust clinical trials in humans are limited. While preliminary research is promising, particularly regarding its utility in managing minor pain and supporting digestive health, more well-designed studies are needed to confirm these effects and establish safety profiles. Despite the need for further validation, Southern Prickly Ash remains a valued ingredient in some nutritional products, contributing traditional wisdom and intriguing bioactive compounds to modern wellness formulations. Its unique historical usage and emerging scientific interest mark it as a plant of ongoing significance in botanical and nutritional research.
Southern Prickly Ash is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Angina (Traditional)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Backache (Traditional)
Bites and Stings (Traditional)
Bleeding (external) (Traditional)
Blood Poisoning (Traditional)
Boils (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Carbuncles (Traditional)
Chest Pain (Traditional)
Chills (Traditional)
Cholera (Traditional)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Colds (decongestant) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Colds (with fever) (Traditional)
Colic (adults) (Traditional)
Colic (children) (Traditional)
Congestion (Traditional)
Congestion (bronchial) (Traditional)
Congestion (lungs) (Traditional)
Congestion (lymphatic) (Traditional)
Congestion (sinus) (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Constipation (children) (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Debility (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Southern Prickly Ash is used to support these body systems
Arteries (Traditional)
Blood (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Glandular System (Traditional)
Gums (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Joints (Traditional)
Nerves (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)
