Evidence supporting the use of: Northern Prickly Ash
For the health condition: Emphysema
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Northern Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum) has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine, primarily among Indigenous peoples and within early North American herbal practices. It has been employed as a general stimulant, for improving circulation, and in some cases for respiratory complaints such as coughs and sore throats. However, there is limited documentation specifically connecting Northern Prickly Ash to the treatment or support of emphysema. Most references to its use for respiratory conditions are anecdotal or based on traditional herbalist texts rather than controlled scientific studies.
There is a lack of clinical or laboratory evidence supporting any direct benefit of Northern Prickly Ash for emphysema, a chronic lung condition characterized by damage to the alveoli. Its traditional use is more broadly related to respiratory health and not emphysema in particular. Modern phytochemical analyses have shown that the plant contains alkaloids and other compounds, but no studies have established efficacy for emphysema or similar chronic pulmonary diseases. Therefore, any use for emphysema is based on tradition, not science, and the evidence supporting its effectiveness is weak (rated 1/5).
Other ingredients used for Emphysema
astragalusbeta caryophyllene
Chinese salvia root
cordyceps
ginger
ginseng
horseradish
licorice root
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
schizonepeta
slippery elm bark
mullein
lobelia
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
punarnava
myrrh
elecampane
morinda
trichosanthes
eucalyptus
aster root
horehound
Arisaema
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Broussonetia
Balsam
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Centipeda
Costus
Euphorbia
Theophylline
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