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© Martin Wall
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Botanical names: Zanthoxylum clava-herculis,
Zanthoxylum americanum
Common names: Toothache tree, American prickly ash
Parts used and 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.
Prickly ash has been used
in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual
health concern for complete information):
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Health Concerns |
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Indigestion
Insufficient salivation
Rheumatism
Toothache
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Historical or traditional use (may
or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Many eastern Native American tribes valued prickly ash as a remedy for upset stomach, sore
throats, aching muscles, skin 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
parasites.5
Active constituents
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 indigestion,
gallbladder disease, or ulcers, as well as eliminating
pinworms.6 Herculin, an alkamide in the plant, produces a localized numbing
effect on the tongue when consumed.7 Whether this explains the historical use of
prickly ash for toothaches remains to be confirmed in clinical trials.
How much is usually taken?
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.8
Alternatively, a tincture, 1/2–3/4 teaspoon (2–4 ml) three times per day, may also
be used.9 Prickly ash is best taken just before meals. Traditionally, the bark was
chewed to relieve tooth pain.10
Are there any side effects or interactions?
There are no known side effects from using the amounts of prickly ash noted above. Since it
stimulates digestive function, prickly ash should best be avoided in conditions such as ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcer disease, or
gastroesophageal reflux. Some herbal experts suggest that prickly ash be avoided by pregnant women because it may stimulate menstruation and
increase risk of a miscarriage.11
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with prickly ash.
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. Bensky D, Gamble A, Kaptchuk T. Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia
Medica, rev ed. Seattle: Eastland Press, 1993, 304–5.
7. Foster S. 101 Medicinal Herbs. Loveland, CO: Interweave
Press, 1998, 160–1.
8. Hoffmann D. The New Holistic Herbal, 3rd ed. Shaftesbury,
Dorset, UK: Element, 1990, 225.
9. Hoffmann D. The New Holistic Herbal, 3rd ed. Shaftesbury,
Dorset, UK: Element, 1990, 225.
10. Vogel VJ. American Indian Medicine. Norman: University of
Oklahoma Press, 1970, 352–4.
11. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions.
Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998, 113.
Copyright © 2004 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
www.healthnotes.com
Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.
Learn more about the authors of Healthnotes.
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro),
clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may
not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2005.
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Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary
studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
