PRICKLY ASH (Xanthoxylum fraxineum)

DESCRIPTION: The fruit of several species is used to make the spice Sichuan (or Szechuan) Pepper. The Prickly Ash is a small North American tree growing in the open air with pinnate leaves covered in sharp and strong prickles. The tree is very aromatic and has pungent properties. The berries grow in clusters on the top of the branches and are black or deep blue and enclosed in a grey shell. The aroma of the leaves and berries are similar to the oil of lemons and the berries and bark have a pungent taste.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS: Prickly ash bark relieves chronic pain, and is most often used as a poultice applied to the skin over the area of pain. Acting as a stimulant, it’s used for chronic rheumatism, typhoid, skin diseases, and impurity of the blood. Traditional herbal medicine also uses prickly ash to kill parasites and to alleviate abdominal pain, particularly when the source of the pain is a parasitic infection. The powdered bark forms an excellent application for ulcers and old wounds along with paralytic affections and nervous headaches and for toothaches.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS: Generally safe. Use with caution during pregnancy has been known to stop lactation

PARTS USED: Root bark and berries

GENERAL USAGE: For the treatment of nausea. Works as an anodyne and anti-cancer

[ back to top ]

DISCLAIMER