Evidence supporting the use of: Northern Prickly Ash
For the health condition: Colic (adults)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Northern Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum) has a long-standing history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly by Native American peoples and later by European settlers in North America. It was commonly used as a remedy for a variety of digestive complaints, including colic in adults. The bark and berries were prepared in teas or tinctures, believed to help stimulate digestion, relieve stomach discomfort, and act as a carminative (to reduce gas). Historical herbal texts from the 19th and early 20th centuries often mention Northern Prickly Ash as a general digestive aid, sometimes specifically referencing its use for symptoms consistent with adult colic, such as abdominal pain and cramping.

However, modern scientific studies validating these effects are lacking. There are no high-quality clinical trials or pharmacological investigations directly supporting the efficacy of Northern Prickly Ash for colic in adults. Its use for this purpose remains rooted in traditional practice rather than evidence-based medicine. Therefore, while the historical record documents its use for adult colic, the evidence is anecdotal and not substantiated by rigorous modern research.

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