Evidence supporting the use of: Southern Prickly Ash
For the health condition: Chills

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Southern Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum clava-herculis) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine in the southern United States, particularly among Native American groups and early settlers. One of its historical applications has been for the treatment of "chills," which were often associated with fevers, intermittent fevers, or malaria-like illnesses before the advent of modern medicine. The bark and berries were sometimes brewed into teas or tinctures, believed to stimulate circulation and act as a "warming" agent, which was thought to ease chills and cold extremities.

However, there is little to no contemporary scientific research specifically validating its efficacy for chills or fever. Most available information is based on ethnobotanical records and early medical texts, which describe the use of Southern Prickly Ash as a stimulant, diaphoretic (promoting sweating), and tonic. Theoretical support comes from its reported ability to improve blood flow and produce a sensation of warmth, which could subjectively help with chills. Despite its traditional use, no clinical trials or pharmacological studies have directly confirmed its effectiveness for this indication. Therefore, while its use is rooted in tradition and historical practice, the scientific evidence supporting its use for chills remains limited.

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