Health Information
Prickly Ash
Uses
Parts Used & Where Grown
The bark and sometimes the berries of these two American trees are used as medicine. There are many other trees in this genus that grow on other continents, including Chinese prickly ash (Zanthoxylum bungeanum), which grows in Asia.
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3 Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Why |
|---|---|
|
1 Star
Indigestion, Heartburn, and Low Stomach Acidity
Refer to label instructions
|
Prickly ash acts as a digestive stimulant and may be helpful for indigestion.
Bitter herbs are thought to stimulate digestive function by increasing saliva production and promoting both stomach acid and Reference digestive enzyme production.6 As a result, they are particularly used when there is low stomach acid but not in heartburn (where too much stomach acid could initially exacerbate the situation). These herbs literally taste bitter. Some examples of bitter herbs include Reference greater celandine, Reference wormwood, Reference gentian,Reference dandelion, Reference blessed thistle, Reference yarrow, Reference devil’s claw, bitter orange, Reference bitter melon, Reference juniper, Reference andrographis, Reference prickly ash, and Reference centaury.7. Bitters are generally taken either by mixing 1–3 ml tincture into water and sipping slowly 10–30 minutes before eating, or by making tea, which is also sipped slowly before eating. |
Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)
Many eastern Native American tribes valued prickly ash as a remedy for Reference upset stomach, Reference sore throats, aching muscles, skin Reference infections, to stimulate saliva flow, and various other conditions.1 Eclectic physicians (doctors who recommended herbal medicines) in the United States at the end of the 19th century continued the traditional uses of prickly ash, primarily as a digestive aid, to strengthen the nervous system, and for cholera.2 The bark was also widely used by herbalists to treat rheumatic conditions.3 Prickly ash is also considered an alterative in traditional herbalism, meaning it enhances the body’s ability to fight against and recover from all manner of difficulties.4 Chinese prickly ash (Zanthoxylum simulans) is used for similar indications as its American relative as well as for killing Reference parasites.5
How It Works
How It Works
Prickly ash bark contains alkaloids and a volatile oil. The fruit is rich in the volatile oil. Little research has been done specifically on the constituents or actions of American prickly ash. Preliminary Chinese trials have reportedly found that oral use of Chinese prickly ash berries can alleviate pain due to Reference indigestion, gallbladder disease, or ulcers, as well as eliminating Reference pinworms.8 Herculin, an alkamide in the plant, produces a localized numbing effect on the tongue when consumed.9 Whether this explains the historical use of prickly ash for toothaches remains to be confirmed in clinical trials.
How to Use It
A tea of prickly ash is made by simmering 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 grams) of the bark for 10–15 minutes. Three cups (750 ml) per day are recommended.10 Alternatively, a tincture, 1/2–3/4 teaspoon (2–4 ml) three times per day, may also be used.11 Prickly ash is best taken just before meals. Traditionally, the bark was chewed to relieve tooth pain.12
Interactions
Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds
Interactions with Medicines
Side Effects
There are no known side effects from using the recommended amounts of prickly ash. Since it stimulates digestive function, prickly ash should best be avoided in conditions such as Reference ulcerative colitis, Reference peptic ulcer disease, or Reference gastroesophageal reflux. Some herbal experts suggest that prickly ash be avoided by Reference pregnant women because it may stimulate menstruation and increase risk of a miscarriage.13
Related Information
References
1. Vogel VJ. American Indian Medicine. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1970, 352–4.
2. Felter HW. Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1922, 1998, 697–8.
3. Foster S. 101 Medicinal Herbs. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1998, 160–1.
4. Hoffmann D. The New Holistic Herbal, 3rd ed. Shaftesbury, Dorset, UK: Element, 1990, 225.
5. Bensky D, Gamble A, Kaptchuk T. Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, rev ed. Seattle: Eastland Press, 1993, 304–5.
6. Schulz V, Hänsel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician’s Guide to Herbal Medicine. 3rd ed, Berlin: Springer, 1998, 168–73.
7. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin: American Botanical Council and Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 425–6.
8. Bensky D, Gamble A, Kaptchuk T. Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, rev ed. Seattle: Eastland Press, 1993, 304–5.
9. Foster S. 101 Medicinal Herbs. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1998, 160–1.
10. Hoffmann D. The New Holistic Herbal, 3rd ed. Shaftesbury, Dorset, UK: Element, 1990, 225.
11. Hoffmann D. The New Holistic Herbal, 3rd ed. Shaftesbury, Dorset, UK: Element, 1990, 225.
12. Vogel VJ. American Indian Medicine. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1970, 352–4.
13. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998, 113.
Last Review: 11-07-2012
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