Prickly Ash

Zanthoxylum americanum

Rutaceae

Names: Toothache Tree

Habitat: Canada and the USA.

Collection: The berries are collected in late summer and the bark is stripped from the stems of this shrub in the spring.

Part Used: The bark and berries.

Constituents: Bark: Alkaloids: [[gamma]]-fagarine, [[beta]]-fagarine(-skimmianine), magnoflorine, laurifoline, nitidine, chelerythrine, tambetarine and candicine. Coumarins: xanthyletin, zanthoxyletin, alloxanthyletin. Resin, tannin, volatile oil.

Actions: Stimulant (circulatory), tonic, alterative, carminative, diaphoretic, anti-rheumatic, hepatic.

Indications: Prickly Ash may be used in a way that is similar to Cayenne, although it is slower in action. It is used in many chronic problems such as rheumatism and skin diseases. Any sign of poor circulation calls for the use of this herb, such as chilblains, cramp in the leg, varicose veins and varicose ulcers. Externally it may be used as a stimulation liniment for rheumatism and fibrositis. Due to its stimulating effect upon the lymphatic system, circulation and mucous membranes, it will have a role in the holistic treatment of many specific conditions.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is "positive diffusive stimulant -induces free arterial/capillary circulation, restores vascular tone. It is a general stimulant for relaxed and feeble conditions and atonic digestive states. An excellent tonic and alterative for convalescence and the elderly." They give the following specific indications: chronic rheumatic conditions; neurasthenia and poor circulation; gastric distension, eructations and flatulence; loss of sensitivity in injured nerves.

Ellingwood considered it specific for "lack of tone in the nervous system, a general torpidity with sluggish circulation. Also in enervation and relaxation of mucous membranes, with imperfect circulation, or hyper-secretion. It is thus valuable in catarrhal conditions of any mucous surface, as it restores the tone and normal functional activity."

King's Dispensatory gives these specific indications: "(in the smaller doses) in hyper-secretion from debility and relaxation of mucous tissues; atonicity of the nervous system (larger doses); in capillary engorgement in the exanthemata, sluggish circulation, tympanites in bowel complaints, intestinal and gastric torpor (with deficient secretion), dryness of the mucous membrane of mouth and fauces (with glazed, glossy surfaces), flatulent colic, asiatic cholera, uterine cramps, and neuralgia. For the painful bowel disorders, the preparations of the berries are to be preferred.

Combinations: May be used in many different situations.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the bark and let infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: take 1-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.