Prickly Ash Tincture

Zanthoxylum americanum

Common name: Prickly Ash, Toothache Bark 

Family: Rutaceae

Part used: Bark, but berries are used by some

Habitat: A medium sized tree or large shrub growing to 8m and native to North America. The surface of the branches are covered in prickles (hence the name) about 6-14mm long. 

Constituents: Isoquinoline alkaloids particularly lauiflorine andnitidine (and others), coumarins, tannins, resins, acrid volatile oil. 

Actions: Antirheumatic, silagogue (stimulates saliva production), circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic (promotes sweating)

Traditional and current uses:

• Poor peripheral circulation including intermittent claudication, cold hands and feet, Raunaud's syndrome and Buerger's disease.

• Osteoarthritis, chronic rheumatic disorders

•  Fibromyalgia

• Varicose veins, haemorrhoids

• Restless legs syndrome

Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for educational use only, and is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified medical herbalist, doctor or licensed health practitioner. The information contained herein is not diagnostic, always consult a medical health professional before embarking on a treatment programme. Urban Fringe Dispensary disclaims any liability, loss, injury or damage incurred as a consequence of the use and application of the advice given herein.