Toothache Tree – Zanthoxylum alatum: Ayurvedic Benefits And Reference

Toothache tree is an effective Ayurvedic herb. It is known as Tejohva in Sanskrit. Its botanical name is Zanthoxylum alatum, Rutaceae (jambira kula) family. As the name indicates, it is one of the herbs used for brushing teeth. But apart from that, it has numerous other health benefits.

Botanical name –
Fagara armata Thunb.
Zanthoxylum alatum
Zanthoxylum armatum
Zanthoxylum planispinum Siebold & Zucc.

Common names, Sanskrit synonyms

Hindi name – Tejabala, Tejbal
English name – Yellow Wood tree, Toothache tree

Sanskrit Synonyms: Tumburu, Tejasvini, Tejohwa, Tejovati, Vanaja, Saurabha

Part used

Part used: Bark, fruit and root.

Classical categorization

Charaka
Shirovirechana – Group of herbs used for Nasya treatment.
Katuskandha – Pungent tasting group of herbs.

Medicinal properties, indications

Rasa – Katu, Tikta – Pungent, bitter
Guna (qualities) – laghu – light, Rooksha (dryness), Teekshna (piercing)
Vipaka – taste conversion after digestion – Katu (pungent)
Veerya – Ushna – Hot potency.

Katu – Pungent taste,
Tikta – bitter
Ushna – hot
kapha Maruta  – balances Kapha and Vata
Shulajit – Relieves abdominal colic pain
Apatantra – Useful in neurological disorders
Udara – useful in ascites
Adhmana – relieves bloating
Krimighna – Useful in intestinal worm
Vahnideepana – Increases digestion power
Ruchya – Improves taste, carminative
Laghu (light to digest)
Vidahi – Causes burning sensation
Useful in diseases related to eyes, ear, lips, headache, when used as toothbrush.

It is used in a few cosmetics, as an ingredient, such as Ramacham Ayurvedic soap,

Side effects

It may cause a slight burning sensation in the stomach because of its hotness.

Interaction with medicines, supplements

Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.

Can this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets, Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.

With western medicines
Seek your doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.

Chemical constitution

The leaves are also aromatic and they contain linalool and lomonene. These volatile oils are reported to possess potent antifungal effects.

The bark possesses a significant amount of resin, tannin and volatile oils. The important constituents of the stem bark are copumarins, xanthylethin, alloxanthyletin, magnaflorine and zanthoxyletins.

Research

Many clinical trials have been conducted to prove the hepato-protective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Zanthoxylum alatum.

Ayurvedic Medicines

Tejohvatyadi Ghrita, Tumburvadi Churna.

Home remedy for tonsillitis

The thorns of Tejohwa (toothache tree) -Zanthoxylum alatum Roxb. is collected. It is rubbed well with lemon juice and a fine paste is made. This is applied to the neck, nearby the swelling caused due to tonsillitis. 1 to 2 pinches is also taken internally. It effectively pacifies redness and swelling.

Sthanika karma (Systemic Acton)

Externally – Anti microbial, Stimulant, indicated in bad breath problems. External application of its paste on the forehead is beneficial in headaches. Powdered is used to sprinkle on wounds. Decoction is indicated for gargling in the throat ache. Powder is also used as a toothpowder.

Internally
Nervous system – Pacify vata dosha, Nerve stimulant, Indicated in hemiplegia, Amavata, etc.
Digestive system –Carminative, digestive, Cardiac stimulant, Anti helminthic. Indicated in Loss of appetite, Indigestion, Diarrhea, Liver and splenic disorders, Helminthiasis etc.

Circulatory System – Cardiac stimulant, indicated in conditions associated with nervous system weakness.

Respiratory System – Pacifies kapha dosha. Indicated cough, Asthma etc.

Excretory system – Increase urine production. Indicated in painful urination

Satmikarana – Indicated in general debility, Bark is indicated in Diabetes mellitus.
Tvak – Svedajanana, Kushtaghna
Tapakrama – Jvaraghna