Prickly Ash - Zanthoxylum Clava-Herculis
This Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum clava-herculis) monograph is an excerpt from the 1999, first edition of Dr. Sharol's book "Herbal Medicine From The Heart of The Earth." You can purchase the 2020, third edition of this book with an expanded materia medica/monograph section, herbal formulas and directions on making herbal products in Dr. Sharol's Book Store. You receive free shipping in the USA. The expanded 3rd edition materia medica, and additional herbal tidbits are also available as a kindle ebook at Amazon and details on this e-book are here.
Prickly ash - Zanthoxylum clava-herculis in the Rutaceae or Rue family
Part used: Bark.
Taste/smell: Tingles the tongue, astringent.
Tendencies: Drying, warming.
Dosage: 1:3.5 dry liquid extract: 5-15 drops 1-3 times per day.
Mental picture and specific indications: Prickly ash is indicated in relaxed, feeble conditions found with atonic digestive states where it improves digestion and circulation. It is specific for neuralgic pains.
Use: (a) Alterative, (b) Diaphoretic, (c) Immunomodulator, (d) Antimicrobial, (e) Anti-inflammatory, (f) Restores vascular tone and promotes capillary circulation.
It is a good addition to formulas where a stimulating and tonifying alterative is needed for convalescence or the elderly. It is used for chronic rheumatic conditions, gastric irritation with gas and burping, loss of sensitivity in injured nerves and immune system support. Prickly ash contains the alkylamide, neoherculin, which is identical to the alkylamide, echinacein, found in Echinacea angustifolia.
Contraindications: It is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the emmenagogue effect.
If you are looking for directions on making teas or tinctures, please see our "Making Herbal Products" page.
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Copyright 1999 by Sharol Tilgner, N.D. (ISBN 1-881517-02-0) - all rights reserved.
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