Prickly Ash vs Pilewort

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Prickly Ash

Zanthoxylum americanum

Cardiovascular

Ficaria verna

Cardiovascular

Prickly Ash

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Pilewort

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Spiny shrub of North American woodlands; bark and berries used by Indigenous peoples for toothache and circulatory conditions.

Named for its specific traditional use for hemorrhoids (piles) — one of the few herbs truly specific for this condition.

Active Compounds

chelerythrine, berberine, xanthoxylin, resins, tannins, volatile oils

Protoanemonin (dried), Anemonin, Saponins, Tannins

Traditional Uses

Toothache relief in Native American medicine, Poor circulation and Raynaud's phenomenon, Rheumatism, Used by Ojibwe and Menominee tribes

Hemorrhoids, Varicose veins, Perineal tearing

Modern Uses

Circulatory stimulant, Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial

Venotonic, Anti-inflammatory (topical), Astringent

Adult Dosage

1–2 g bark as tea; 2–4 mL tincture 3x daily

Topical ointment only — not recommended internally

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Anticoagulant medications, Bleeding disorders

Internal use, Pregnancy, Broken skin (fresh plant)

Side Effects

GI irritation, Blood thinning effects, Photosensitivity possible

Skin irritation (fresh plant), GI toxicity (internal)

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E