Northern Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum) has a history of traditional use among Native American and early North American herbalists for a variety of ailments, including pain and inflammation. There are anecdotal reports and references in herbal texts suggesting its use for earaches and related conditions, typically as a poultice, infusion, or topical application. The rationale for its use is generally based on its purported analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which may provide symptomatic relief from the discomfort associated with ear infections or earaches.

However, there is no modern clinical or pharmacological evidence specifically supporting the efficacy of Northern Prickly Ash for treating ear infections or earaches. The available evidence is limited to historical accounts and traditional herbal practices, without controlled studies or scientific validation for this specific indication. Its use for ear conditions is not widely documented in contemporary herbal medicine references, and it does not appear in standard medical guidelines for ear infection treatment.

In summary, while the use of Northern Prickly Ash for earaches is justified by tradition and historical usage, there is a lack of scientific evidence or clinical trials to substantiate its effectiveness for this condition.