Prickly Ash
(Zanthoxylum americanum; Z. clava-herculis)
Energetics: Warming. Drying.
Taste: Bark: Pungent.
Tissue States:
Systems Affected: Blood. Lymphatic. Stomach. Spleen. Kidneys.
Parts Used: Bark. Berries.
Key Components: Alkaloids. Fagarine. Coumarins. Resin. Tannins. Volatile oils (in the berries).
Preparations & dosage: Decoction: Dried bark. Tincture: Fresh. Dosage is small, 1-3 drops. Powder: In tooth powders or rubbed into gums for pain. Poultice: Formentation: Liniment:
Actions:
Foundational: Stimulant.
Primary: Alterative. Diaphoretic. Carminative. Emmenagogue. Nervine. Anti-diarrheal. Rubefacient.
Secondary: Anti-rheumatic.
Uses:
Stimulates blood circulation and lymphatic stagnation.
Cold joints & extremities. Raynaud's.
Arthritis & rheumatic complaints.
Warming to digestion making it effective for weak digestion and colic.
Nervine for nerves that are tingly, numb or painful. Matthew Wood says that Prickly Ash is indicated for those who are "writhing in agony".
Bells Palsy.
Varicose veins.
Someone who takes a long time to heal from wounds & injury.
Poultice or formentation to aid in the drying and healing of wounds.
Sluggish circulation, arthritis & rheumatic problems, toothache & Gum problems. As a blood & lymphatic circulation stimulant it is used for arthritic complaints, rheumatoid complaints as well as lethargy & wounds that are slow to heal. Blood purifying properties make it useful for treating skin diseases & accumulation in the joints. Warming to the stomach making it useful for weak digestion, colic & cramps. Apply poultice or formentation to help dry & heal wounds. powder can be chewed or brushed on gums to treat toothache, pyorrhea & receding gums. Cold extremities & joints, Reynaud’s disease.
Combines well with: Sarsparilla. Black cohosh. Sassafras. Bayberry. Echinacea. Myrrh. Cinnamon.
Identifying:
Growing:
Harvesting: Harvest the berries in the late summer.
Harvest the bark from the stems in spring.
Contraindications:
Sources:
The Way of Herbs: Michael Tierra. Pg 182
The Complete Herbs Sourcebook: David Hoffman. Pg 303
The Earthwise Herbal: Volume 2: Matthew Wood. Pg 363-366
Studies:
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, nor is it intended to replace medical advice. 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, nor is it intended to replace medical advice. For educational purposes only.
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