Prickly ash bark, c/s, wild crafted

Scientific Name: Zanthoxylum americanum
Rutaceae

AKA: Toothache tree

Parts Used: Bark, berries

Active Compounds:herclavin, neoherculin, tannins, alkaloids, lignans, volatile oil, resins

Background: Prickly ash gets its nickname "toothache tree" because of its use by Native Americans to treat toothaches. It was also used by Native Americans to treat joint pain from rheumatism. Later, prickly ash was commonly used to relieve arthritis and improve circulation.

Today, prickly ash is still used to treat rheumatism and arthritis. It is powerful because of its ability to help improve circulation to the joints and remove toxins. It is also useful for digestive problems such as gas and diarrhea.

Applications:Antirheumatic/Sweat Stimulant/Circulatory Stimulant/Carminative

Prickly ash is most commonly used to treat arthritis and rheumatism.

Arthritis and Rheumatism: Prickly ash is used to promote circulation to inflamed joints and provide relief from joint pain.

Circulatory System: Prickly ash can help to improve circulation in the limbs to treat conditions such as Raynaud's disease and intermittent claudication.

Digestive: Prickly ash helps to treat diarrhea and gas.

Skin: Prickly ash can be used to treat skin ulcers when used externally.

Description:
Prickly ash is native to the United States and Canada. It is a shrub with green leaves and red berries that grows as tall as 10 feet. The bark that is used is gathered during the spring. The berries are harvested during summer.

Dosage:

As a lotion, apply to legs to improve circulation.

As a decoction, combine 3 tsp ginger decoction with 3 tsp prickly ash berry decoction and add to 750 ml water. Drink 1 cup twice daily for circulation.

As a tincture, add 20 drops to water and take 3 times daily for arthritis.

Tablets may be taken for arthritis and rheumatism. Follow the instructions on the manufacturer's label.

Safety:
Do not take prickly ash if you are pregnant. Do not take this herb internally if you have a stomach inflammation. Consult your health care provider before beginning use of any herb.

More Bulk Herbs and Spices Information:

Pokeweed
Poppy pods
Poppy Seed
Prickly Ash
Psyllium
Quassia

For educational purposes only
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.