Prickly Ash

Common Names: Prickly Ash, Toothache Tree, Northern Prickly Ash
Family: Rutaceae
Parts Used: Bark, Berries
Native To: Eastern North America
Geographic Distribution: Northeastern Canada to Virginia, west to the Mississippi River (Hutchens, 1973).

Botanical Description

Prickly Ash, scientifically known as Zanthoxylum americanum, is a perennial deciduous shrub belonging to the Rutaceae family, which is more commonly associated with citrus plants. Despite its common name, this plant is not related to true ash trees. It grows primarily in thickets and can reach up to 10 feet in height, though some specimens grow as tall as 25 feet.

The plant is easily recognizable by its dark green, compound leaves, which have an aromatic lemony scent due to the presence of volatile oils. The leaves are arranged in an odd-pinnate form, typically with 5-11 leaflets. The bark and stems are covered in small spines that give the plant a prickly appearance, hence the name prickly ash.

Prickly Ash is dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers grow on separate plants. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and clustered in cymes, blooming before the leaves emerge in early spring. The fruit, which matures by late summer, is a reddish-brown berry containing one or two seeds. These berries, much like the bark, are utilized in herbal medicine.

Key Constituents

Prickly Ash contains several bioactive compounds including alkaloids, coumarins, tannins, volatile oils, and xanthoxylin. These contribute to its distinctive medicinal properties, such as its ability to stimulate circulation and its antifungal potential (Hoffmann, 2003; Hutchens, 1973).

Sustainability Issues

Despite its widespread use, Zanthoxylum americanum is endangered in parts of North America, including Florida, Maryland, and New Hampshire. Habitat loss and competition with invasive species have contributed to its decline (USDA NRCS, n.d.).

Harvesting Guidelines

For optimal harvesting, it is recommended to prune smaller branches and strip the bark from them, rather than from the main trunk, which can harm the plant. The bark is best collected in early spring before the leaves appear or in the fall after they have fallen. The berries are harvested once fully ripe at the end of summer. Proper drying is essential to preserve the medicinal properties of both bark and berries.

Traditional and Modern Uses

Prickly Ash holds a prominent place in the folk medicine of various Indigenous North American tribes, including the Alabama, Cherokee, Chippewa, and Comanche. Historically, it was used in a variety of ways, from topical applications for skin irritation to medicinal uses for circulatory and digestive issues.

1. Circulatory and Heart Health
   Prickly Ash has long been recognized for its ability to stimulate circulation. Indigenous tribes used it for heart conditions, leg cramps, and varicose veins, and modern herbalists continue to use it for these purposes today. It is often recommended as a remedy for poor circulation, especially in cases like Raynaud’s disease, where blood flow to extremities is compromised. Prickly Ash is believed to restore vascular tone and is particularly beneficial for the elderly and those in recovery from illness (Hoffmann, 2003; Wood, 2009).
2. Respiratory Health
   Several Indigenous tribes used Prickly Ash for respiratory complaints such as coughs, colds, and sore throats. It promotes sweating, which can be helpful during feverish illnesses. Recent studies support its antifungal properties, which might explain its effectiveness in treating respiratory infections (Bafi-Yeboa et al., 2005). The plant’s ability to stimulate the mucous membranes also makes it useful for chronic respiratory conditions (Wood, 2009).
3. Digestive Health
   Prickly Ash is known for its carminative properties, which aid digestion and alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort. It is particularly useful for conditions like bloating, dyspepsia, and constipation. The herb increases saliva production and stimulates the secretion of gastric juices, enhancing overall digestive function (Felter, 1922). It has also been used traditionally to treat cholera and dysentery.
4. Toothache and Oral Care
   One of the most well-known uses of Prickly Ash is for toothache, which led to its common nickname, “toothache tree.” The bark and berries of Prickly Ash are chewed to relieve pain and promote salivation. This herb has been used in various dental formulas due to its ability to produce a tingling sensation in the mouth, which not only eases pain but also stimulates saliva production, helping to prevent dry mouth and maintain oral health (Alexander & Straub-Bruce, 2014).
5. Nervous System Health
   Prickly Ash is also considered a tonic for the nervous system. It is used to stimulate nerve centers and increase the function of organs in the body. Its effects are particularly beneficial for conditions like Bell’s palsy, nerve damage, and muscle spasms. The tingling sensation it induces is believed to awaken and invigorate the nervous system, promoting healing and relief from pain (Wood, 2009; Petersen, 1905).
6. Skin Conditions
   In addition to its internal uses, Prickly Ash has been applied topically to treat skin conditions. The Alabama tribe used a decoction of the bark to soothe itching, while the Comanche applied powdered root to burns. Its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties make it useful for treating sores, fungal infections, and other skin irritations (Moerman, 2009).

Dosage and Administration

In modern herbal practice, Prickly Ash is most commonly used as a tincture. The typical dosage is 2-4 mL of a 1:5, 60% tincture, taken three times daily. However, some herbalists recommend starting with a smaller dose of 1-3 drops three times a day and gradually increasing the amount (Hoffmann, 2003; Wood, 2009).

 Prickly Ash is a versatile herb with a wide range of traditional and modern uses. From its ability to improve circulation and digestive function to its support for the nervous system and oral health, it is a valuable plant in herbal medicine. Its rich history of use among Indigenous tribes and its continued relevance in modern herbalism make it a must-have in any herbalist’s materia medica. However, due to its endangered status in certain regions, it is important to harvest this plant sustainably and seek out ethically sourced Prickly Ash products.