Zanthoxylum (Zanthoxylum spp.)

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Other names for zanthoxylum

Prickly Ash
Sichuan Pepper
Toothache Tree

Synopsis of zanthoxylum

Zanthoxylum is a genus of aromatic shrubs and trees in the Rutaceae (citrus) family, known for their tingling, numbing effect when chewed or applied topically. Various species—including Zanthoxylum americanum (prickly ash), Zanthoxylum clava-herculis (southern prickly ash), and Zanthoxylum bungeanum (Sichuan pepper)—have been used traditionally across cultures for their medicinal, culinary, and stimulant properties. The bark, berries, and seeds contain active compounds such as alkaloids (including chelerythrine and magnoflorine), coumarins, and essential oils that contribute to its pungency and therapeutic effects.

Medicinally, Zanthoxylum is most valued for its analgesic, circulatory-stimulating, antispasmodic, and digestive benefits. It is used to improve peripheral blood flow, relieve toothaches, soothe neuralgia, stimulate appetite, and ease gastrointestinal cramping. Its warming and numbing actions have made it a classic remedy for cold hands and feet, sluggish circulation, rheumatic pains, and numbness. In some traditions, it is also used as a lymphatic and glandular stimulant.

Zanthoxylum is a common ingredient in formulas aimed at reviving weakened digestion, supporting joint mobility, and improving oral health. The berries or bark may be chewed directly for toothaches, made into decoctions, or applied externally as poultices.

Historical Use:
In North American herbalism, Zanthoxylum americanum and Z. clava-herculis have deep roots in both Native American and early European settler medicine. Often referred to as “toothache tree” or “pepperwood,” it was used to treat mouth and gum pain, tooth infections, sore throats, and cold-induced ailments. Traditional healers would chew the bark or berries to numb oral tissues or apply them to aching joints to increase circulation and reduce pain. The Eclectic physicians of the 19th century adopted Zanthoxylum as a key remedy for chronic rheumatism, digestive sluggishness, and pelvic congestion, particularly in women’s health.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zanthoxylum bungeanum—better known as Sichuan pepper or Hua Jiao—has been used for centuries to warm the middle burner (digestive organs), disperse cold, kill parasites, and alleviate abdominal pain. Its unique tingling sensation was believed to stimulate Qi and blood flow, especially in cases of cold stagnation. It was often paired with other warming herbs like ginger and cinnamon to treat diarrhea, intestinal worms, or poor appetite.

The Ayurvedic tradition also recognizes similar species for their deep circulatory and digestive actions, though under different regional names. In all systems, Zanthoxylum was considered an activating remedy—one that wakes up sluggish tissues, stirs circulation, and counters cold, stagnant conditions.

Zanthoxylum is used for these health conditions

Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Backache (Traditional)
Bites and Stings (Traditional)
Bleeding (external) (Traditional)
Boils (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Traditional)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Capillary Weakness (Traditional)
Chest Pain (Traditional)
Chills (Traditional)
Cholera (Traditional)
Cholesterol (high) (Traditional)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Colds (antiviral) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Congestion (bronchial) (Traditional)
Congestion (lungs) (Traditional)
Congestion (sinus) (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Dandruff (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Dyspepsia (Traditional)
Ear Infection or Earache (Traditional)
Eczema (Traditional)
Emotional Sensitivity (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Fungal Infections (Traditional)
Gas and Bloating (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Gingivitis (Traditional)
Glands (swollen lymph) (Traditional)
Gout (Traditional)

zanthoxylum is used to support these body systems

Blood (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Gums (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Joints (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Mucus Membranes (Traditional)
Nerves (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)
Teeth (Traditional)