Tag: Zanthoxylum

According to a recent 2025 study in the journal *Fitoterapia*, compounds extracted from Sichuan pepper were shown to improve gut health in animal models. The spice's distinct flavor and numbing sensation, known as *málà*, come from compounds called sanshools, and this article explores the science behind its traditional uses.

Over 20 million Americans have a food allergy, and for those with a tree nut sensitivity, understanding if a new ingredient is safe is crucial. The question, 'Is Sichuan a nut?' arises due to its namesake, but Sichuan peppercorns are not related to nuts at all; they are the dried fruit husks from a plant in the citrus family.

Prickly ash, often nicknamed the 'toothache tree' for its analgesic properties, has been a cornerstone of traditional medicine for centuries, particularly among Native American and other indigenous communities. The myriad benefits of prickly ash, from soothing dental pain to acting as a powerful circulatory stimulant, stem from the unique compounds found within its bark and berries.

Over 2,000 years ago, ancient Chinese texts first documented the unique tingling sensation caused by a spice that numbs your mouth. The answer to what berry numbs your mouth lies not in a typical fruit, but in the dried husks of the prickly ash shrub, known as Sichuan peppercorns, and the flowers of the paracress plant, or buzz buttons.