Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum or related species) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly by Indigenous peoples of North America and later by eclectic physicians in the 19th century. Traditionally, prickly ash bark and berries were employed as a carminative—an agent that helps relieve gas and bloating—and as a stimulant for the digestive system. Herbalists believed that the warming, tingling sensation produced by the plant could stimulate saliva and digestive secretions, thereby promoting better digestion and reducing symptoms such as flatulence and abdominal discomfort. These uses are documented in historical texts and ethnobotanical records.

Despite its traditional reputation, modern scientific studies directly investigating prickly ash for gas and bloating are lacking. There is limited pharmacological research on its potential effects on the gastrointestinal system. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that compounds in prickly ash, such as alkaloids and essential oils, may have mild spasmolytic or stimulant actions, but these findings are not robustly linked to clinical outcomes for gas/bloating in humans. As a result, the evidence supporting its use for this purpose is considered low (rated 2 out of 5), and is primarily based on traditional knowledge rather than rigorous clinical validation.

In summary, prickly ash is traditionally used to support digestion and alleviate gas and bloating, but high-quality scientific evidence is currently insufficient to confirm its efficacy for this condition.

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