Evidence supporting the use of: Northern Prickly Ash
For the health condition: Chills
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Northern Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum) has a long history of use in traditional Native American and early North American herbal medicine, including as a remedy for "chills." The bark and berries were commonly used to stimulate circulation and as a warming agent. "Chills" in historical context often referred to symptoms associated with fevers, malaria, or other infectious diseases. Traditional herbalists believed that Northern Prickly Ash could help "move the blood," promote sweating, and counteract cold sensations in the body. The Eclectic physicians of the 19th and early 20th centuries also recommended it for chills, often in the context of fevers and intermittent fevers (like those seen in malaria), due to its reputed stimulant and diaphoretic (sweat-inducing) properties.
However, there is little to no modern scientific research specifically validating the use of Northern Prickly Ash for chills. The evidence supporting its use is primarily anecdotal and based on historical texts and ethnobotanical records. While some laboratory studies have investigated the plant's general pharmacological properties (such as anti-inflammatory or analgesic effects), none directly address its efficacy for chills. Therefore, the justification for using Northern Prickly Ash for chills is rooted in tradition rather than modern science.
Other ingredients used for Chills
allspicegreen chiretta
betel
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
clove
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
greek mountain tea
mustard seed
pear
rhizome
schizonepeta
thyme
water
squawvine
xanthium (cockleburs)
atractylodes
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
inula racemosa
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
peony
lingusticum wallichii
lemongrass
chrysanthemum
siler root
hyacinth bean
zanthoxylum
herbal blend (proprietary)
indigo leaves
Ash
Avens
Ardisia
Angelica
Anamu
Aconite
Asteracea
Arani
Arisaema
Atractylone
Bermuda Grass
Baphicacanthus cusia
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bur-Reed
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Chinese Silkvine
Capillary Artemisia
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cinchona
Chirata
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Essential Oil Blend
European-Five Finger Grass
Mustard
Other health conditions supported by Northern Prickly Ash
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Angina
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Chest Pain
Chills
Circulation (poor)
Colds (decongestant)
Colic (adults)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Edema
Emphysema
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
Indigestion
Infection
Inflammation