Synopsis

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

Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum spp.) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in North America and East Asia. Native American herbalists and practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (where Zanthoxylum is known as "hua jiao") have historically used prickly ash bark and berries as a remedy for digestive complaints, including nausea and vomiting. The rationale in traditional systems is that prickly ash stimulates saliva and gastric secretions, thus supporting digestive function and helping to alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort. In North American traditions, it was sometimes referred to as the "toothache tree," but was also included in formulations for dyspepsia, sluggish digestion, and occasional nausea. However, scientific evidence supporting the use of prickly ash specifically for nausea and vomiting is limited. Few controlled studies have examined its effects on the digestive tract, and those that exist typically focus on its analgesic or circulatory properties, or on related species such as Sichuan pepper (Zanthoxylum bungeanum). Some in vitro and animal studies indicate mild prokinetic and anti-inflammatory effects, but these are not directly linked to relief of nausea or vomiting in humans. As a result, while traditional use is well documented, modern clinical validation is lacking, and the overall evidence for this indication is weak (rating: 2/5).

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