Synopsis

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

Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum or Zanthoxylum clava-herculis) has been used in North American traditional herbal medicine, particularly by Indigenous peoples and later by 19th-century Eclectic physicians, for various conditions, including menstrual irregularity. Historically, prickly ash bark was considered a stimulant and circulatory tonic, believed to "move the blood" and stimulate bodily functions. It was sometimes recommended for amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) or dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), based on the concept that improving blood flow or stimulating the pelvic organs could help regulate or restore menstrual cycles. However, this use is based primarily on traditional and empirical knowledge rather than rigorous scientific evidence. Contemporary herbal texts sometimes mention the historical use of prickly ash for menstrual complaints, but there are no well-designed clinical trials or robust pharmacological studies confirming its efficacy or safety for this condition. The supposed mechanism—improving peripheral circulation—remains speculative and has not been directly linked to menstrual regulation in scientific literature. Overall, while prickly ash has a documented history of use for menstrual irregularity in traditional medicine systems, the evidence is largely anecdotal or based on the historical medical theories of the time, rather than validated by modern research. Consequently, its evidence rating for this use is low (2/5).

More about prickly ash
More about Menstrual Irregularity

Other ingredients used for Menstrual Irregularity

Other health conditions supported by prickly ash

Products containing prickly ash