What is it
Zanthoxylum alatum (or Xanthoxylum alatum) is a plant of Chinese origin, of the Rutaceae family, used by virtue of its pain-relieving and antipruritic activities in the skin, antispasmodic in the intestine and analgesic in toothache.
The term Xanthoxylum in Greek means “yellow wood” which characterizes, precisely, the more than 250 botanical species belonging to this family.
Activities
The activity of Zanthoxylum alatum is linked in particular to the presence of zantalene, a fat-soluble compound that performs a local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory action.
It has also been shown that the essential oil is active as a repellent against some insects.
It also acts as a fungistatic on 24 species of fungi. This prerogative remains unchanged over time, without being influenced by the temperature and duration of storage.
Why is it used
The main rationale for current use is for soothing the skin. In fact, various studies have shown that after only half an hour from the application of a 0.5% extract of Zanthoxylum alatum, the sensitivity to thermal stimulation of the skin is significantly reduced.
It should be noted that the soothing effect of this extract is linked to its ability to reduce skin sensitivity without affecting the perception of pain and the physiological response to it.
It is curious the historical use of essential oil also to purify water and seeds in the treatment of fever, dyspepsia and cholera.
How to use it
It is mostly used the essential oil extracted from dried fruits, which contain it in the concentration of 1.5%. The effectiveness of the extract is maximum for topical application after about 30 minutes and is maintained at appreciable levels for about two hours.
The extract does not cause problems of sensitization or skin tolerability. In the East, the powder is used in condiments, as a substitute for pepper.
Effects
No side effects have been reported from the use of Zanthoxylum alatum.
Precautions
The use of the plant, in particular at the skin level, does not seem to involve risks or require special precautions.
Interactions
No interactions were reported.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
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