{"id":15426,"date":"2025-01-06T14:36:17","date_gmt":"2025-01-06T14:36:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=15426"},"modified":"2025-10-27T15:38:41","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T15:38:41","slug":"prickly-ash","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/prickly-ash\/","title":{"rendered":"Prickly ash"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":15432,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"b3d89fe5-47b7-4f50-835c-6086d600e190","beyondwords_preview_token":"8b95c927-eac5-4eec-96a0-ffa3ec153470","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[1278,1880],"conditions":[694,701,699,696,695],"sustainability":[],"sense":[31,18,16,1820,527,1821],"western_action":[989,990,991,993,1132,996,1003,1825,1007,1008,1009,1013,1015],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1499,1498,1487,1497,1495,1496,1494,1492,1380],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-15426","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-antiseptic","tag-sialagogue","conditions-cardiovascular-system","conditions-immune-system","conditions-musculoskeletal-system","conditions-nervous-system","conditions-respiratory-system","sense-astringent-taste","sense-bitter","sense-hot","sense-pungent","sense-salty","sense-sour","western_action-alterative","western_action-analgesic","western_action-anthelmintic","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antipyretic","western_action-antirheumatic","western_action-carminatives","western_action-circulatory-stimulant","western_action-diaphoretic","western_action-diuretic","western_action-emmenagogue","western_action-hepatic","western_action-immunomodulant","energetics_action-astringent","energetics_action-bitter","energetics_action-dry","energetics_action-pungent","energetics_action-salty","energetics_action-sour","energetics_action-sweet","energetics_action-toning","energetics_action-warm","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20250106","herb_author":2004,"banner_text":"Prickly ash was traditionally chewed to alleviate toothache","latin_name":"Zanthoxylum clava-herculis \/ Zanthoxylum americanum<\/span><\/i>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Rutaceae","herb_summary":"Prickly ash is a warming and stimulating North American herb that may be used when there are signs of poor peripheral circulation such as cold hands or feet and in arthritic conditions.","key_benefits":"Peripheral circulatory insufficiency\r\nVaricose veins or haemorrhoids\r\nLeg cramps \r\nRespiratory infection and fever\r\nChronic rheumatic conditions","how_does_it_feel":"The initial feeling of prickly ash on the tongue is often a tingling, numbing sensation synonymous with that of echinacea<\/a><\/span>\u00a0or the after effects of a local anaesthetic, becoming bitter and pungent and causing increased salivation (1,2).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt has been more poetically described as: <\/span>\u201cset(ting) my youthful mouth and stomach on fire... You wanted to open the mouth to let the cool air get in. This warmth is felt as a warm glow through the entire system, with a sensation in the nerves as if gentle shocks of electricity were passing through the body\u201d (3).<\/span>","hdif_image_1":15438,"hdif_image_2":15442,"hdif_image_3":15434,"hdif_video":"","sense":[31,18,16,1820,527,1821],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_15442\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"449\"]\"Prickly Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nAny sign of poor circulation, such as cold or discoloured hands or feet, may indicate that the warming and circulatory stimulating actions of prickly ash are called for. It can be used for conditions associated with insufficiency of peripheral circulation such as Reynaud\u2019s syndrome, cramps of the legs or feet, intermittent claudication, restless leg syndrome, varicose veins and haemorrhoids. (1,4,5,6).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt is also considered by many to be useful in the treatment of neuropathic pain including <\/span>sciatica,<\/span><\/a> trigeminal neuralgia, carpal tunnel and other syndromes featuring compression of a nerve. In these circumstances, it may also be used topically on the affected area as a liniment, salve, poultice or plaster (1,4,7,8).<\/span>\r\n<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe antimicrobial actions of prickly ash make it a useful herb for a range of both acute and chronic infections, especially of the skin, gut and respiratory tracts (5). It is particularly indicated in <\/span>respiratory conditions<\/span><\/a> that feature a tendency towards dryness of the airways and old secretions of the lungs or nasal passages, loosening thick phlegm and relieving congestion\u00a0 (5,9). For <\/span>colds or flu,<\/span><\/a> it may be taken hot to further promote its diaphoretic action and subsequent <\/span>healthy immune system<\/span><\/a> response (5,8).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), prickly ash has long been included in the class of herbs considered to tonify yang, dispel cold and generate warmth, so is often indicated in conditions that are associated with deficient circulation, lack of innate warmth and slow metabolic processes (10).<\/span>\r\n\r\nPrickly ash is said to be connected to the solar plexus and is associated with vigour, inspiration and motivation. In some traditions, it is connected to heightened awareness and deep intuitive qualities (11).<\/span>\r\n\r\nPrickly ash is reported to have been included in the first Chinese dictionary, the <\/span>erya. <\/span><\/i>During this era, it was prized not purely for its medicinal benefits but was seen to symbolise beauty, holiness and purity, consequently being used as an incense to bestow blessings, and affection and to show reverence to the gods (12).<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"[caption id=\"attachment_15437\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"500\"]\"Prickly Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nMany of the traditional uses of prickly ash are still to be reflected in its use by modern medical herbalists. It is evidenced to have had widespread medicinal use by the indigenous peoples of North America for a range of conditions, including toothache, rheumatism and gastric issues, all of which the bark or berries were often chewed (10,13,14).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIts introduction into the materia medica of Western herbalism has been attributed to the Eclectic medical movement, founded in the early 1900s. This was considered revolutionary at that time for their ethos of using plant-based medicines as an alternative to some of the more extreme medical practices of the day, such as the prescribing of toxic chemicals and extensive bloodletting. The study of plants native to the Americas compiled by these practitioners validated and recognised the knowledge and experience of traditional herbalists. In the late 19<\/span>th<\/span> century, prickly ash was first seen to be included as a medicinal plant for the treatment of cholera and typhus during the epidemics that occurred during these years (10,15,16).<\/span>\r\n\r\nAlthough\u00a0 <\/span>Z. clava-herculis<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>Z. americanum<\/span><\/i> are the two species of prickly ash often used interchangeably in the United States, other species have been recognised for their medicinal properties within traditional medicine practices around the world. In West Africa, <\/span>Z. zanthoxyloides<\/span><\/i> is a traditional remedy for rheumatism, whilst in South Africa, <\/span>Z. capense<\/span><\/i> is considered to relieve colic. In traditional Chinese medicine, <\/span>Z. burgeanum<\/span><\/i> (<\/span>chuan jiao<\/span><\/i>) is used for abdominal pains caused by a cold pattern of illness (2,14).<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"[caption id=\"attachment_15441\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Prickly Prickly ash berries (Zanthoxylum americanum<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Cardiovascular<\/span><\/h3>\r\nMany practitioners consider prickly ash to be specific in cases where there are any signs of poor circulation, particularly when this is apparent in the peripheries, with patients often reporting cold, discoloured or mottled hands or feet. Its warming circulatory stimulant effects make it a valuable addition to any herbal formulation intended to treat conditions involving muscular tension or spasm, cramps, Reynaud\u2019s syndrome, chilblains, varicose veins and ulcers or conditions involving narrowing of the arteries supplying blood flow to the limbs such as intermittent claudication <\/span>(4,6 14,17).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIts stimulatory action on the microcirculation also makes it an ideal herb to deliver other constituents included in a herbal formula to the targeted body system or tissues in a similar, albeit slower, way to which herbs such as <\/span>chilli<\/a> (<\/span>Capsicum minimum<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>ginger<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Zingiber officinale<\/span><\/i>) or <\/span>rosemary<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Salvia rosmarinus<\/span><\/i>) may be included in a prescription <\/span>(4,8,9).<\/span>\r\n\r\nPrickly ash combines well alongside other herbs with an affinity for the cardiovascular system such as <\/span>hawthorn<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Crataegus <\/span><\/i>spp.), <\/span>yarrow<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Achillea millefolium<\/span><\/i>) and\u00a0<\/span>horsechestnut<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Aesculus hippocastanum<\/span><\/i>) for varicose conditions or <\/span>crampbark<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Viburnum opulus<\/span><\/i>) as both an internal and external remedy for the relief of muscle tension or cramps (18).<\/span>\r\n\r\nPriest and Priest describe prickly ash as being \u201c\u2026a positive diffusive stimulant \u2013 induces free arterial\/capillary circulation, restores vascular tone\u201d (19).<\/span>\r\n

Immune<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThe antimicrobial, alterative and diaphoretic properties of prickly ash combine to make it a prime ally in the treatment of a range of acute and chronic infections. It is an ideal herb to include in formulas intended to be used at the onset of colds or flu-like symptoms and is particularly effective in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. It has been demonstrated to have antifungal properties against a wide range of commonly found fungal infections and may also be used in the treatment of bacterial or parasitic helminth alimentary tract infections (5,8).<\/span>\r\n

Neurological\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\r\nPrickly ash has been seen to be of benefit in cold, chronic conditions involving the nerves such as neuralgia and nerve damage as well as the pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica. In both\u00a0 internal and external preparations, prickly ash may be used similarly to St John\u2019s wort. However, whereas St John\u2019s wort is considered specific for a person whose pain is worse for movement, prickly ash would be indicated for the person who cannot remain still due to their pain. \u00a0 It is considered a strengthening stimulant, and by enhancing cerebral blood flow it enhances concentration, memory and may help relieve cognitive fatigue, especially when stress or anxiety are contributory factors (5,7,20,21).<\/span>\r\n

Respiratory<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThe warming and stimulating actions of prickly ash contribute to its ability to move thick catarrh or phlegm and relieve congestion in the sinuses or lungs, particularly in cases where there is scanty or no expectoration. The enhanced blood flow to the throat area is beneficial in sore throats or infections such as tonsillitis or pharyngitis. It acts on localised infection whilst promoting optimal immune response to the affected areas as well as systemically <\/span>(5,8,9).<\/span>\r\n

Musculoskeletal<\/span><\/h3>\r\nPrickly ash has a long history of use for conditions of the musculoskeletal system such as rheumatism, arthritis and gout. More recently, it has been evidenced to have a place in the treatment of some autoimmune diseases that present with a diversity of complex symptoms. This particularly includes those affecting the musculoskeletal system, causing joint and muscle pain, weakness and fatigue, including <\/span>fibromyalgia<\/span><\/a> and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), among others, that are seen to be increasingly on the rise over the last few decades (5,20, 22,23).<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_15433\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Prickly Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Zanthoxylum species: A Comprehensive review of traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological and nutraceutical applications<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThis comprehensive review looks at the biological activity of the constituents found in a number of prickly ash species from around the world in the context of its traditional medicinal uses including cardiovascular, neurological and metabolic health conditions. Results of these investigations indicate lipid-lowering, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antithrombotic,\u00a0 osteoprotective, neuroprotective actions and Alzheimer\u2019s disease modulatory effects, which support many of the traditional and modern uses of prickly ash (24).<\/span>\r\n

\u00a0<\/span>A<\/span>ctivity of Zanthoxylum clava\u2010herculis extracts against multi\u2010drug resistant methicillin\u2010resistant <\/span>Staphylococcus aureus<\/span><\/i> (mdr\u2010MRSA)<\/span><\/h3>\r\nIn response to the current reality of increasing antibiotic resistance, there is ongoing research into compounds displaying antibiotic activity against resistant bacteria, including methicillin-resistant <\/span>Staphylococcus aureus<\/span><\/i> (MRSA). This study showed that an isolate of the alkaloid chelerythrine from Southern prickly ash (<\/span>Z. clava-herculis<\/span><\/i>) demonstrated potent activity against highly resistant strains of MRSA that were unresponsive to treatment by other frequently prescribed antibiotics (25).<\/span>\r\n

Cannabimimetic plants: Are they new cannabinoidergic modulators?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThe role of the human endocannabinoid system in many aspects of human health and well-being is seen to be increasingly explored with the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 becoming a therapeutic target for the treatment of conditions ranging from anxiety to obesity. This review examining potentially cannabimimetic plants not included in the cannabis genus suggests that there is evidence that the alkaloids chelerythrine and\u00a0 \u03b3-sanshool, both found in Southern prickly ash (<\/span>Z. clava-herculis<\/span><\/i>) demonstrate cannamimetic properties with \u03b3-sanshool specifically displaying activity against CB1 and CB2 receptors (26).<\/span>\r\n

Cytotoxic coumarins and lignans from extracts of the northern prickly ash (<\/span>Zanthoxylum americanum<\/span><\/i>)<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThis paper from 2001 explicitly focused on extracts obtained from the berry of Northern prickly ash (<\/span>Z. americanum<\/span><\/i>) and their cytotoxicity to human tumour cells. This was further explored in more recent work, which suggests constituents found in the stem and root bark of the plant inhibit the synthesis of DNA in human leukaemia cells (27)\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Antifungal constituents of Northern prickly ash, <\/span>Zanthoxylum americanum<\/span><\/i> Mill<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThis study aimed to investigate the likely phytochemical basis for the traditional use of Northern prickly ash in the treatment of fungal infections and examines its potential ability to inhibit a range of pathogenic fungi including <\/span>Candida albicans<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>Aspergillus fumigatus<\/span><\/i>. All extracts were shown to possess broad spectrum anti-fungal activity supporting its traditional use for conditions related to fungal infections (28).<\/span>","did_you_know":"The botanical name for this genus of plants, <\/span>Zanthoxylum, <\/span><\/i>originates from the combination of the Latin word for yellow (<\/span>zantho<\/span><\/i>) and the Greek word for wood (<\/span>xylem<\/span><\/i>) directly translating as \u2018yellow wood\u2019 (29). Xylem is also the scientific term for the vascular system of the plant which transports water and nutrients upwards from the roots to the stems and leaves.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe Rutaceae plant family to which prickly ash belongs also includes citrus fruit-bearing trees such as lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit and tangerine, along with common rue, a plant with both culinary and medicinal purposes\u00a0 (30).<\/span>\r\n\r\nSzechuan peppercorns, widely used as a condiment and food ingredient in some parts of the world for their unique flavour, are the berries of various species of <\/span>Zanthoxylum<\/span><\/i> of which <\/span>Z. bungeanum<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>Z. armatum<\/span><\/i> are most widely recognised and acknowledged for their contrasting tastes (31,32,33).<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":19789},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Prickly ash (<\/span>Z. clava-herculis<\/span><\/i>) is a deciduous, dioecious plant most frequently found ranging in size from shrub-like to a small tree, yet it may occasionally be seen to have reached heights of up to 14 metres. The bark is greyish in colour with stout, sharp prickles which become larger on the branches and small stalks that join the leaves to the stems. The pointed oval leaves are arranged in pairs down a central stalk with only the terminal leaflet being unpaired and having a shiny, smooth green appearance with very subtle serrulate margins.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe greenish flowers are small but generally plentiful and appear in spring before the leaves. The small aromatic fleshy fruits, which have a smell reminiscent of lemon and contain a shiny black seed, cluster at the end of the branches of female trees and ripen from green to red-brown from August onwards (29,41).<\/span>","common_names":"