Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum spp.), sometimes referred to as "mixed" when different species or plant parts are blended, has been used in traditional herbal medicine, especially in North American and Chinese herbal systems. Its bark and berries have been employed historically to address digestive complaints, including colic in adults. The rationale in traditional practice is based on its warming, stimulating, and carminative properties, which are thought to alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating, and cramping. Historical texts and ethnobotanical reports indicate that Native American and early American herbalists recommended prickly ash for various digestive system ailments, including colic.

However, there is a lack of robust scientific evidence or clinical trials directly supporting the efficacy of prickly ash for adult colic. Most references are anecdotal or based on traditional use, rather than modern pharmacological validation. Some laboratory research has suggested anti-inflammatory and mild spasmolytic effects for Zanthoxylum species, but these findings have not been specifically linked to clinical outcomes in colic. Therefore, while prickly ash has a clear historical precedent for such use, current evidence supporting its effectiveness for colic in adults remains minimal and primarily based on tradition rather than scientific validation.

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