Evidence supporting the use of: Northern Prickly Ash
For the body system: Gums

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Northern Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly by Native American and early North American herbalists. It is sometimes referred to as "toothache tree" due to its reputed numbing and stimulating effects when chewed or applied to the gums. Traditionally, the bark and berries have been used as a remedy for toothache, sore gums, and other oral complaints, often as a poultice or chew stick. The plant contains compounds such as alkaloids and essential oils, which are believed to have mild analgesic and circulatory stimulant properties.

Despite its historical use, there is little scientific validation for the efficacy of Northern Prickly Ash specifically in supporting gum health. Most of the available evidence is anecdotal or derived from traditional sources, such as herbal texts from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Modern clinical studies on its effects on the gums or oral health are lacking. Therefore, while its use is justified by longstanding tradition, current scientific support is minimal, and its effectiveness has not been rigorously evaluated in controlled studies.

More about Northern Prickly Ash
More about Gums

Products containing Northern Prickly Ash

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.