Zanthoxylum americanum

Zanthoxylum americanum
Family:Zanthoxylum americanum; Anodyne; Antirheumatic; Antispasmodic; Carminative; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Irritant; Odontalgic; Sialagogue; Skin; Stimulant.
Common name:Prickly ash
Prickly ash is a warming stimulating herb that is beneficial for the circulation. It was highly regarded by the native North American Indians who used it especially to alleviate rheumatism and toothache. All parts of the plant but especially the bark and roots contain the aromatic bitter oil xanthoxylin. This has a number of applications in medicine especially in the treatment of arthritic and rheumatic conditions digestive problems and leg ulcers. The fruit has a similar medicinal action to the bark. The bark and roots are irritant odontalgic and antirheumatic. Along with the fruit they are diaphoretic stimulant and a useful tonic in debilitated conditions of the stomach and digestive organs. They produce arterial excitement and are of use in the treatment of fevers ague poor circulation etc. The fruits are considered more active than the bark they are also antispasmodic carminative diuretic and antirheumatic. The pulverized root and bark are used to ease the pain of toothache. One report says that it is very efficacious but the sensation of the acrid bark is fully as unpleasant as the toothache. Chewing the bark induces copious salivation. Rubbing the fruit against the skin especially on the lips or in the mouth produces a numbing effect. A tea or tincture of the bark has been used in the treatment of rheumatism dyspepsia dysentery heart and kidney troubles etc. A tea made from the inner bark has been used to treat itchy skin.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 06:52 []