Chinese Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum piperitum)

Chinese Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum piperitum) is a member of the Rutaceae family, native to China, Korea, and Japan. Traditionally, its fruits, bark, and leaves have been used for decoctions, powders, and infusions.

This herb is particularly valued for its bitter, anti-inflammatory, and astringent actions, and has a long history of use in traditional chinese medicine, japanese kampo medicine, and korean traditional medicine.

Chinese Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum piperitum) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Chinese Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum piperitum) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Chinese Prickly Ash
Scientific Name	Zanthoxylum piperitum
Plant Family	Rutaceae
Genus	Zanthoxylum
Species	piperitum
Native Range	China, Korea, Japan
Plant Parts Used	Fruits, Bark, Leaves
Primary Medicinal Actions	Bitter, Anti-Inflammatory, Astringent
Primary Traditional Systems	Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine, Korean Traditional Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Powder, Infusion

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Zanthoxylum piperitum
Common Name: Chinese Prickly Ash
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Sichuan Pepper, Japanese Prickly Ash, Chinese花椒
Plant Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Zanthoxylum

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 2 to 5 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with serrate margins, upper surface dark green, lower surface lighter green, bearing prominent stomatal bands along the midvein.
Flowers: Flowers are small, yellowish-green, clustered in umbels, actinomorphic, with four sepals and four petals, and five stamens.
Stems: Erect, woody, branched, with opposite phyllotaxis, glabrous, and bearing spines along the nodes.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Traditional Chinese Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine
Korean Traditional Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Powder
Infusion
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Bitter: Commonly referenced as a calming bitter, in taste-driven classifications.
Anti-inflammatory: Historically regarded as a warming anti-inflammatory, in topical or internal use contexts.
Astringent: As described in traditional systems, a moderate astringent, in tissue-toning contexts.
Carminative: Traditionally described as a mild carminative, in stomach-related herbal uses.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Tannin: Plant-derived compounds known for their ability to bind proteins.
Alkaloid: A class of nitrogen-containing compounds produced by many plant species.
Phenolic Acid: Organic acids commonly occurring as part of plant secondary metabolism.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: Contraindications related to this herb have been noted in traditional use and available sources.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: Interactions with prescription medications have not been well documented.
Toxicity: The use of this herb has been linked to reported toxic effects.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been clearly established in available sources.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.
Culinary Use: Culinary use includes adding plant material to recipes or beverages.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.