Evidence supporting the use of: Shiny-Leaf Prickly Ash
For the health condition: Ear Infection or Earache

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Synopsis

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

Shiny-Leaf Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum clava-herculis) has a history of traditional use among Native American and early American herbalists for a variety of ailments, including toothache, sore throat, and sometimes earache or ear infections. The bark and berries were used as a stimulant and for their purported analgesic (pain-relieving) and antimicrobial properties. Specific references to its use for earache are relatively limited, but some ethnobotanical sources note its inclusion in poultices or infusions applied near the ear or as part of broader remedies for pain and inflammation affecting the head, including the ears.

However, there is a lack of robust scientific research specifically validating the use of Shiny-Leaf Prickly Ash for ear infections or earache. Most of the evidence stems from historical and traditional usages rather than clinical trials or pharmacological studies. Scientific studies have identified certain alkaloids and essential oils within Zanthoxylum species that may possess mild antimicrobial and analgesic properties, but these findings have not been directly linked to effectiveness against pathogens responsible for ear infections.

In summary, the use of Shiny-Leaf Prickly Ash for earache or ear infections is primarily based on traditional practices, with little to no scientific validation. Its efficacy remains unproven by modern clinical standards, and it should not be considered a substitute for evidence-based medical treatments for ear infections.

More about Shiny-Leaf Prickly Ash
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