Evidence supporting the use of: Southern Prickly Ash
For the health condition: Colic (children)

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Synopsis

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

Southern Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum clava-herculis), also known as Hercules’ Club, has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine in North America. Historically, various parts of the tree—including its bark and berries—were employed by Native American groups and later by herbal practitioners for a variety of ailments, including as a remedy for digestive complaints such as colic in children. The rationale for its use was typically based on its reputed "warming" and "stimulating" effects on the digestive system, with some traditions suggesting it could relieve pain and discomfort associated with digestive spasms.

However, there is little to no modern scientific research substantiating these uses, especially in the context of pediatric colic. Most references to its use for colic are found in ethnobotanical records or early herbal texts, rather than clinical trials or pharmacological studies. There is also a lack of well-documented safety data for use in children.

In conclusion, the use of Southern Prickly Ash for the treatment of colic in children is justified primarily by tradition rather than scientific evidence. The quality and quantity of supporting evidence are low, and it is not widely recommended in modern clinical practice for this indication.

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