Prickly Ash (kasabang in tagalog)

(Xanthoxylum americanum) Part used: Bark. Properties: Stimulant, alternative, antispasmodic/astringent, emmenagogue, rubefacient. What it affects: Blood, circulation, and stomach.

Preparation and amount: Decoction: Simmer 5-15 min. Take 1-2 oz. 3-4 times daily. Tincture: Take 5-20 drops 3-4 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 1/2 – 1 tsp. 3-4 times daily. Powder: Take 2-5 #0 capsules (10-30 grains) 3-4 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, prickly ash is a stimulant that greatly increases blood circulation throughout the body. For the reason, it is used for impaired circulation, cold, extremities and joints, wounds that are slow to heal, lethargy, rheumatism, and arthritis. It will promote warmth during chills. Add a carminative herb (such as peppermint or catnip) to prickly ash, to increase the effect. Because is so warming to the stomach, it is used for weak digestion, as well as colic and cramps. If an excess amount of unwanted sweating occurs, reduce the amount by a fourth, until the amount taken is producing the desired effect. This herb will produce sweating when all else fails.

Externally, prickly ash bark was a toothache remedy for both the Indians and early settlers. Indians also boiled the inner bark to make a wash for itching skin. Herbalists today used boiled fresh bark (inner and outer) for the same purpose. It is applied as a poultice, to help dry up and heal wounds.

Note: As a stimulant, prickly ash bark is very similar to bayberry bark.