Prickly Ash Materia Medica

Prickly ash has been used in herbal medicine for many centuries. Once a staple of Native American medicine, it was widely used by doctors during the 1849-50 epidemics of Asiatic cholera and typhus. A tincture of the berries was also used in the 19th century to treat typhoid pneumonia.

Prickly ash oil, noted for its anti-infectious, carminative, sedative and stomachic properties, exerts its impact primarily via the mucous membranes and circulatory and lymphatic systems. It is commonly used to treat arthritis, leg cramps, varicose veins and varicose ulcers and chilblains (recurrent localized itching, swelling and painful blood congestion of the fingers, toes and ears caused by mild frostbite). On an emotional level, the oil relaxes the mind and comforts the emotions. Astrologically, it is said to be ruled by Mars.

Download this chapter to learn more about PRICKLY ASH— Zanthoxylum armatum (or alatum); Zanthoxylum spp.