herb data, Toothache Tree, Zanthoxylum alatum, Zanthoxylum americanum, Tumbru, Tejbal, Prickly Ash, holisticonline.com

Herb Information

Name: Toothache Tree

Biological Name: Zanthoxylum alatum, Zanthoxylum americanum

Rutaceae

Other Names: Tumbru, Toothache Tree, Tejbal, Prickly Ash

Yellow wood, Suterberry

Description: This shrub is found in North America, India, and Bhutan.

Parts Used:

Bark, carpels, carpels of fruits, seeds

Active Compounds:

Bark:

	Alkaloids: g-fagarine, b-fagarine (-skimmianine), magnoflorine, laurifoline, nitidine, chelerythrine, tambetarine and candicine
	Coumarins: xanthyletin, zanthoxyletin, alloxanthyletin
	Resin, tannin, volatile oil.

Medicinal Applications

Action

Branches, fruit and thorns: carminative, stomachic

Bark and Berries: alterative, anti-rheumatic, carminative, diaphoretic, hepatic, stimulant, tonic.

Uses

asthma
bronchitis
cholera
fever
fibrositis
indigestion
rheumatism
skin diseases
toothache
varicose veins

Prickly Ash is used in many chronic problems such a rheumatism and skin diseases; chilblains, cramp in the leg, varicose veins and varicose ulcers. It is also used for low blood pressure, fever, and inflammation. Externally it may be used as a stimulation liniment for rheumatism and fibrositis. It has a stimulating effect upon the lymphatic system, circulation and mucous membranes.

Dosage:

Bark-infusion, decoction

Infusion: Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the bark and let infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drink this three times a day.

Tincture: take 1-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Safety:

No information about the safety of this herb is available.
Use caution. Ayurvedic herbs are often taken in combination with others to neutralize the toxicity one herb with the opposing effect of other. Do not take except under the supervision of a qualified professional.