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Today we have:
Zanthoxylum americanum (prickly ash) - Rutaceae family
This herb was esteemed by Native Americans for it's medicinal properties, giving good relief for painful conditions such as rheumatism and toothache. It was introduced to Western herbal medicine by John King in 1894 during the typhus and cholera epidemics of those year due to its intestinal stimulant/analgesic actions.
It is generally considered a stimulant, aiding poor circulation to the peripheries of the body, creating an internal and superficial warmth. Prickly ash has a stimulating effect on the lymphatic system, coupled with an increased blood flow, has a positive effect on arthritic conditions by helping to eliminate waste products whilst supplying oxygen and nutrients to the area. It has a protective, tonifying action on the Qi, helping to combat exhaustion caused by overwork and stress.
and
Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) - Solanaceae family
Important in Ayurvedic medicine, withania somnifera has been dubbed the 'Indian ginseng' due to its antitumour and adaptogenic actions however, it lacks ginsengs stimulating effects. It contains alkaloids which studies have show to have a sedative effect whilst aiding to lower blood pressure. Its Hindi name, ashwagandha, means 'smell and strength of a horse', referring not only to its smell but it is considered to give the user a horse's stamina, indicating its use as an aphrodisiac.
This herb is used a tonic, particularly to strengthen and restore vitality in those suffering from overwork whilst aiding those with stress-induced insomnia due to its nervine qualities. It is also indicated with patients with long-term stress by reducing over-activity and encouraging rest. The adaptogenic action of ashwagandha, is supported by enhancing the endocrine function, helping to re-regulate the testes, thyroid and adrenal glands.
Zanthoxylum americanum (prickly ash) - Rutaceae family
This herb was esteemed by Native Americans for it's medicinal properties, giving good relief for painful conditions such as rheumatism and toothache. It was introduced to Western herbal medicine by John King in 1894 during the typhus and cholera epidemics of those year due to its intestinal stimulant/analgesic actions.
It is generally considered a stimulant, aiding poor circulation to the peripheries of the body, creating an internal and superficial warmth. Prickly ash has a stimulating effect on the lymphatic system, coupled with an increased blood flow, has a positive effect on arthritic conditions by helping to eliminate waste products whilst supplying oxygen and nutrients to the area. It has a protective, tonifying action on the Qi, helping to combat exhaustion caused by overwork and stress.
and
Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) - Solanaceae family
Important in Ayurvedic medicine, withania somnifera has been dubbed the 'Indian ginseng' due to its antitumour and adaptogenic actions however, it lacks ginsengs stimulating effects. It contains alkaloids which studies have show to have a sedative effect whilst aiding to lower blood pressure. Its Hindi name, ashwagandha, means 'smell and strength of a horse', referring not only to its smell but it is considered to give the user a horse's stamina, indicating its use as an aphrodisiac.
This herb is used a tonic, particularly to strengthen and restore vitality in those suffering from overwork whilst aiding those with stress-induced insomnia due to its nervine qualities. It is also indicated with patients with long-term stress by reducing over-activity and encouraging rest. The adaptogenic action of ashwagandha, is supported by enhancing the endocrine function, helping to re-regulate the testes, thyroid and adrenal glands.