Prickly Ash Tincture (Zanthoxylum americanum)

Alcohol-extracted tincture of Zanthoxylum americanum, Northern Prickly Ash, the small thorny tree of eastern North America. The bark has been called the "Toothache Tree" by Native peoples and in Eclectic Western herbalism for centuries - chewing on the inner bark produces a notable numbing tingling sensation that has traditional use for toothache and dental pain. The plant is in the same genus as the famous Sichuan Peppercorn (Zanthoxylum simulans).

Key Facts

Botanical name

Zanthoxylum americanum

Family

Rutaceae (same family as citrus and rue)

Common names

Prickly Ash, Northern Prickly Ash, Toothache Tree, Yellowwood

Native region

Eastern North America

Active compounds

Sanshools (the tingling/numbing alkaloids), chelerythrine, chelirubine

Distinctive sensation

Tingling/numbing - the same sensation as Sichuan peppercorn

Related to

Sichuan Peppercorn (Zanthoxylum simulans) - same genus

What is Prickly Ash?

Prickly Ash is a small thorny tree native to eastern North American forests. The bark, when chewed or applied directly to oral mucous membranes, produces a distinctive tingling and numbing sensation - the same sensation produced by Sichuan peppercorn (which is in the same genus). Native peoples (Iroquois, Algonquian, Cherokee, and many others) used Prickly Ash for toothache and dental pain - chewing or applying small amounts of the bark to a sore tooth produces immediate temporary numbing relief. The tradition was adopted into Eclectic Western herbalism in the 1800s.

How to Use Prickly Ash Tincture

Topical dental application: a few drops applied directly to a sore tooth or gum area produces a tingling, numbing sensation that provides temporary relief. Traditional circulatory support: 15-30 drops in water 2-3 times daily (the herb has traditional Western use as a circulatory stimulant). Combines well with: cayenne, ginger, hawthorn in traditional circulatory formulations.

Safety Information

Not recommended during pregnancy. Can interact with various medications. The tingling/numbing effect on the mouth is temporary and harmless but can be disconcerting for first-time users. Some users develop sensitivity to sanshools with repeated use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prickly Ash used for?
Traditional Native American and Western herbal use for dental pain ("Toothache Tree") and as a traditional circulatory stimulant.

Why "Toothache Tree"?
The bark produces an immediate tingling numbing sensation that traditional peoples used for toothache and dental pain.

Is it related to Sichuan peppercorn?
Yes; same genus (Zanthoxylum). Both produce the characteristic tingling/numbing sensation from sanshools.

What are sanshools?
The alkaloid compounds in Zanthoxylum species responsible for the distinctive tingling/numbing sensation.

Which Native peoples used Prickly Ash?
Iroquois, Algonquian, Cherokee, and many other eastern North American peoples.

Is the numbing dangerous?
No; the sensation is temporary and harmless, though it can be disconcerting for first-time users.

This product has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.