Evidence-based·Last reviewed May 30, 2026·How we grade evidence

Northern Prickly Ash

Botanical

Useful mainly for no use is supported by clinical evidence.

Quick decision guide

May help most

no use is supported by clinical evidence

Common dosing range

no established or studied dose

When to expect effects

Not established

Watch out for

no safety or efficacy data from controlled trials

What is it

Northern prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum), sometimes called the 'toothache tree,' is a North American shrub whose bark has been used in traditional and herbal medicine. It was historically chewed for toothache (it produces a tingling, numbing sensation) and taken for circulation and digestive complaints. There is essentially no modern clinical trial evidence for any use.

Is it worth it for you?

Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.

Worth considering if…

You are specifically interested in traditional herbal use and accept there is no evidence

Probably skip if…

You want any evidence-based benefit
You are pregnant or breastfeeding
You take anticoagulants

Evidence at a glance

traditional use for toothache and oral discomfort

Mixed Evidence
Effect
Not quantified
Best fit
none established
Time
Not established

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

traditional use for toothache and oral discomfort

Mechanism only
Mixed Evidence

The bark contains alkylamides (such as related sanshool compounds) that produce a tingling, locally numbing sensation, which underlies its folk use for toothache. This is a plausible local sensory effect, but there are no controlled clinical trials evaluating pain relief, safety, or efficacy. The claim rests on tradition and chemistry, not trial data.

Effect size
Not quantified
Time to effect
Not established
Best fit
none established

Bottom line: Folk use for toothache is plausible chemically but has no clinical trial support.

How to take it

1. Typical dose
No standardized or studied dose; traditional preparations vary
2. Timing
Not established
3. With food
Not established
4. How long to try
Not established

What to track

Any irritation or GI upset
Whatever symptom is targeted

Safety

Know the common side effects, key cautions, and who should avoid it.

Common side effects

Mouth/throat tingling or numbnessPossible GI upset

Who should avoid it

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding people
  • People on anticoagulants
  • Anyone wanting evidence-based treatment

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding — no safety data and traditional cautions exist.

Interactions

Anticoagulants/antiplateletsMinor

Some Zanthoxylum constituents are theorized to affect platelets/coagulation; data are lacking.

Choosing a product

What to look for on the label — and what to be skeptical of.

Look for…

Correct species identification (Zanthoxylum americanum)
Named plant part (bark)
Third-party identity testing

Be skeptical of…

Circulation, 'blood mover,' or detox claims
Any disease-treatment claims
Implied proven pain relief

Track Northern Prickly Ash with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
Evidence-based·Last reviewed May 30, 2026·Evidence current as of May 30, 2026·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.