Overview

Northern prickly ash (Zanthoxylum Americanum) is a woody shrub native to North America. Native American healers used its bark and berries as medicine.

Northern prickly ash contains chemicals that might have antifungal effects.

People use northern prickly ash for infections, sore throat, toothaches, wounds, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse northern prickly ash with ash, Chinese prickly ash, or Hercules club. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for NORTHERN PRICKLY ASH overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if northern prickly ash is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if northern prickly ash is safe or what the side effects might be.

Pregnancy: Northern prickly ash bark is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. There isn't enough reliable information to know if northern prickly ash berry or root is safe. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if northern prickly ash is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Stomach or intestinal problems: Northern prickly ash might increase stomach acid. This can make stomach and intestinal problems worse. Don't use northern prickly ash if you have an ulcer or other gastrointestinal condition.

Interactions ?

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Antacids interacts with NORTHERN PRICKLY ASH

    Antacids are used to decrease stomach acid. Northern prickly ash can increase stomach acid. Taking northern prickly ash might decrease the effects of antacids.

  • Medications that decrease stomach acid (H2-blockers) interacts with NORTHERN PRICKLY ASH

    H2-blockers are used to decrease stomach acid. Northern prickly ash can increase stomach acid. Taking northern prickly ash might decrease the effects of H2-blockers.

    Some common H2-blockers include cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), and famotidine (Pepcid).

  • Medications that decrease stomach acid (Proton pump inhibitors) interacts with NORTHERN PRICKLY ASH

    Proton pump inhibitors are used to decrease stomach acid. Northern prickly ash can increase stomach acid. Taking northern prickly ash might decrease the effects of proton pump inhibitors.

    Some common proton pump inhibitors include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium).

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of northern prickly ash might be. Traditionally, northern prickly ash dried bark and a decoction made from the dried back have been taken by mouth in adults. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.