Prickly Ash (Xanthoxylum spp) is known as Tumburu in Ayurveda.
The medicinal benefits of this herb are derived from the seed and bark.
One of the main uses of prickly ash in Ayurveda is to digest accumulating toxins in the gastrointestinal tract.
In this sense it is a powerful toxin-destroying herb.
It can also be used to treat yeast infections (candida) in the gastrointestinal tract.
It has a warming, stimulating and purifying effect on the blood and increases the circulation to the feet, hands and skin.
It relieves abdominal cramp and colic and abdominal pain.
Combined with juniper berries or eucalyptus it has antirheumatic effects. With dry ginger it is a digestive agent.
Remedy
Combined with myrrh, it is an excellent remedy for chronic sores and chronic skin conditions.
Made into a medicated oil with sesame oil, it is a relieving anti-arthritic massage oil.
This herb should not be used if there is any inflammatory condition in the gut and should not be used in pregnancy (it may promote a miscarriage).
This herb is best used under the guidance of a skilled Ayurvedic doctor.
Prickly ash is not easily available in South Africa and the seed and bark is imported from India. - Dr Rajen Cooppan (MBChB, MD)