Synopsis

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

Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum or Zanthoxylum clava-herculis) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly among Native American and early North American herbalists, for conditions related to poor circulation. Traditional healers used the bark and berries of prickly ash as a "stimulant" or "circulatory tonic," believing it could promote blood flow, reduce cold extremities, and relieve symptoms associated with sluggish circulation such as numbness or tingling. The plant is sometimes referred to as the "toothache tree" due to its numbing effects, but circulation support is a separate, well-documented ethnobotanical use.

Despite its historical popularity, modern scientific research on prickly ash for circulation is limited. The rating of 2 reflects substantial traditional use but very little direct clinical evidence. Some laboratory studies have identified the presence of alkaloids, coumarins, and essential oil components with possible vasodilatory or anti-inflammatory effects, which could plausibly support circulation, but these studies are preliminary and not specific to human use for circulatory disorders. No high-quality clinical trials have confirmed efficacy in treating poor circulation. Thus, its reputation for supporting circulation rests primarily on tradition, not science.

More about prickly ash
More about Circulation (poor)

Other ingredients used for Circulation (poor)

Other health conditions supported by prickly ash

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