COMMON NAME: Zanthoxylum, Xanthoxylum, Tomar Seed, Prickly Ash, Toothache Tree, Suterberry, Trifoliia

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Zanthoxylum alatum, Zanthoxylum amerianum, Xanthoxylum alatum, Xanthoxylum americanum

FAMILY NAME: Rutaceae

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Himalayas, India, North America

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: India

HISTORY INFORMATION: The shrub is common in thickets, rocky woods, and along river banks from Virginia northward to Canada, and westward to the Mississippi, though scarce east of the Hudson valley. To distinguish it from a southern species (Xanthoxylum Clava-Herculis), which is known as Southern prickly ash, it is sometimes called Northern prickly ash. Its reputed efficacy in toothache has given it the name of Toothache tree. In common with some other plants, it is also known as Yellow wood, a name giving the literal meaning of Xanthoxylum (Greek: xanthos, yellow; xylon, wood). All parts of the shrub are aromatic and pungent, and the leaves and berries have a decided odor of lemons. The therapeutic principle of the berries resides in the capsule surrounding the seeds. Both the bark and fruit (berries) are employed medicinally. Ayurveda uses this oil for constipation, yeast infection, and parasites.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Known topical applications of this herb have included use as a poultice for toothaches, pelvic disorders, wounds, back pain & rheumatism, and a lotion for poor circulation, and as a massage oil for rheumatism & arthritis. The plant stems have even been used as a toothbrush.

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: Decidious spiny shrub with a very aromatic odour. Prickles often in pairs. Leaves, alternate, odd-pinnate, up to 20 cm long, with 3-5 (7) leaflets and a winged rachis. Leaflet blong to lanceolate, finely toothed, dark glossy green, 2-15 cm long, 1-3 cm wide. Yellowish flowers in small panicles in spring. Fruit is rounded, warty, red, and 4-5 mm across.

PARTS PROCESSED: Dried fruits

PROCESSING METHODS: Steam distilled

COLOR RANGE: Pale to dark yellow

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class: Alcohol. Up to 75% linalool, limonene, methyl cinnamate, cineole

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Anti-infectious, anti-rhuemetic, carminative, diaphoretic, hepatic, stomachic, sedative, tonic. Used in many chronic problems such as asthma, bronchitus, cholera, fever, fibrositis, toothache, varicose veins, and skin diseases. Also used to lower blood pressure. Stimulating effect upon the lymphatic system, circulation, and mucous membranes. Use as a tummy rub for constipation. Internally use for yeast infection and parasites.

MENTAL USES: No one is perfect including me and I am just fine with that. I know I belong and I know I have help to get the things done that need to be done.

EMOTIONAL USES: Alienated, alone, frustrated, angry as you often have to do everything yourself as no one seems to be there to help, frustrated with others as they are constantly doing less than they could or disappointing you when they do show up, TO feel a deep sense of belonging to the human race, tolerance for different work styles and different ways of being in the world, take delight in the differences you find in the world.

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate that you had some trauma in your childhood and perhaps control issues with a parent. You have decided to hold on and hold your own. You are a steady influence for yourself and others. You can be depended on. This is a good thing but can cause you to feel separated, alone, and you have to do evrything yourself. You probably wish to join a community or a cult to feel at home, be safe, and get some help. This is not necessary. You can be at home right where you are. Allow others to come into your life. Yes, they probably will mess it up and bring you pain. It is part of life. This is a hard one to accept. Let go of the idea that everything has to be fun, fine, and about you. Your community or family is right here. Join in the mess with us. It is fun sometimes and painful sometimes. Life is an adventure so let go and let life happen.

APPLICATIONS: Bath, massage, diffusor, compress, culinary, perfumery