Synopsis

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

Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum spp.) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly within North American Indigenous and Eclectic medical practices, as a remedy for supporting the lymphatic system and relieving congestion. Herbalists have used the bark and berries of prickly ash as a “circulatory stimulant” and “alterative,” believed to promote lymphatic flow and reduce stagnation, which can manifest as swelling, fullness, or congestion in lymphatic tissues. Historical texts from the 19th and early 20th centuries, especially those of the Eclectic physicians, often mention its use for conditions involving lymphatic congestion, such as swollen glands and sluggish lymphatic drainage. However, modern scientific studies specifically investigating prickly ash’s effects on the lymphatic system or its efficacy in treating lymphatic congestion are lacking. Most contemporary herbal references continue to cite historical and traditional uses rather than clinical trials or pharmacological studies. The evidence base supporting its use is therefore primarily traditional and anecdotal, rooted in historical practice rather than validated through rigorous scientific research. As such, while prickly ash remains part of some herbal formulations aimed at supporting lymphatic health, its use for lymphatic congestion is not strongly supported by modern scientific evidence.

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