COMMON NAMEStandardized: southern pricklyashOther: Hercule's clubBOTANICALNAMEZanthoxylum clava-herculisL.Plant Family:RutaceaeOVERVIEWINTRODUCTIONAbout 1350, a book entitled theRi Yong Ben Cao (Home Guide to Useful Medicines) first advised Chinesephysicians of the medicinal benefits of prickly ash, also known as Szechuanpepper.Before prickly ash was usedmedicinally, however, it was applied in the Imperial Court as the soleanesthetic for the operation by which the Emperor acquired his court eunuchs.CONSTITUENTSVolatile oil containinggeraniol.PARTS USEDThe bark or the fruit, dried andchopped. The powder is better for poultices than the chopped bark. The choppedbark is better for making teas and tinctures than the powdered bark.TYPICAL PREPARATIONSTeas or tinctures. Prickly ashpowder may be used as a poultice applied to the abdomen to treat abdominal pain(recommended over teas or tinctures for this purpose). Although rare, may alsobe taken as capsule.PRECAUTIONSSpecific:Notfor use in pregnancy except under the supervision of a qualified healthcarepractitioner.General:We recommend that you consult with aqualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly ifyou are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.Foreducational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Foodand Drug Administration.This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent anydisease.Please note: Herbs may vary in color from batch to batch the picture may not show the exact coloration of the herb or the cut.