Toothache Tree: Survival Uses, Medicine, and Safety Tips

Found along roadsides, fence rows, and open woodlands across the southern United States, the Toothache Tree (Zanthoxylum spp.) is one of nature’s most powerful natural anesthetics. Often called prickly ash, tickle tongue, or Hercules club, this small tree or large shrub has been valued for centuries by Native Americans and frontiersmen for its unique ability to numb pain and fight infection, especially when professional medical help isn’t available.

In a true survival situation, such as being off-grid or without access to a dentist, the bark or leaves of this tree can provide temporary pain relief comparable to modern benzocaine gels. The Toothache Tree thrives in dry, sandy soils and open sunlight, but can also be found throughout warmer regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

When its leaves are crushed, they release a distinctive peppery aroma that makes identification easier in the field. Spring brings clusters of greenish-yellow flowers, followed by small black fruits in the fall. Its bark, covered in corky warts tipped with thorns, releases a clear, aromatic sap when cut, the same sap that delivers its numbing effects.

Carrying a good-quality field guide such as Peterson Field Guide to Eastern Trees and durable leather gloves like the Mechanix Wear M-Pact Tactical Gloves can help foragers safely identify and handle this spiny yet useful survival tree.

How to Identify the Toothache Tree in the Wild

The Toothache Tree (Zanthoxylum spp.), also called prickly ash, tickle tongue, or Hercules’ club, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow from 8 to 18 feet tall depending on soil and climate. It’s widespread across the Southern and Central United States, thriving in open woods, pastures, fence lines, and well-drained upland soils. You’ll often find it along roadsides and sunny woodland margins, especially where animals or birds have scattered its seeds.

Habitat and Growth Patterns

The Toothache Tree prefers sandy or loamy soils with moderate drainage, thriving where competition from taller trees is low. It’s common in the southeastern U.S., extending from Texas and Florida north to Missouri and Virginia. It also occurs naturally through Mexico, Central America, South America, and parts of Africa where similar Zanthoxylum species grow.

The plant typically appears as a multi-stemmed shrub or small, loosely crowned tree with an irregular form. Its corky bark and spines make it easy to spot from a distance,  especially in winter when the leaves drop but the thorns and black seed capsules remain visible.

When scouting, look along pasture edges, woodland borders, and abandoned homesteads. Birds such as wild turkeys and quail spread the seeds, so you’ll often find clusters near fence posts or hedgerows. A good binoculars and field notebook helps you identify specimens from a distance without wading through thorns.

Distinguishing Features and Scent Test

To correctly identify a Toothache Tree, note the following distinct physical features:

Bark: The bark is light gray to brown, with a rough, warty surface covered in corky spines tipped with small curved thorns. When freshly cut, it releases a clear, watery sap with a faint peppery odor.

Thorns: Sharp, claw-like spines (¼–½ inch long) grow along twigs and stems. These are slightly curved and often arranged in pairs or clusters.

Leaves: The leaves are pinnately compound, typically with 5 to 11 leaflets arranged in opposite pairs plus one at the tip. Each leaflet is oval to lance-shaped, 1–3 inches long, with finely toothed or smooth margins depending on age and species. When crushed, they emit a distinct citrus-pepper scent due to aromatic oils.

Flowers: In spring, small greenish-yellow flowers appear in dense clusters at the branch tips. They are fragrant and rich in nectar, attracting bees and butterflies.

Fruit: By late summer or early fall, the flowers give way to pea-sized, reddish-brown seed capsules that dry and split open to expose a shiny black seed inside. The outer shell has a pitted texture and a faint pepper taste.

Taste/Numbing Test: When a small piece of the inner bark, leaf, or seed is chewed (and then spat out), it produces an instant tingling and numbing effect on the tongue and lips — a unique signature of the genus Zanthoxylum.

Be cautious when performing the “taste test.” Use only a pinhead-sized fragment, and never swallow. Sensitive individuals may experience temporary irritation or nausea. If you prefer non-contact verification, use a pocket microscope or 10× hand lens like the DanoPlus Triplet 10x to examine the tiny oil glands visible as translucent dots on the leaf surface, another unmistakable clue.

The combination of compound leaves, corky spines, aromatic scent, and numbing taste distinguishes the Toothache Tree from look-alikes like Devil’s Walking Stick (Aralia spinosa) or Hardy Orange (Citrus trifoliata).

For additional confirmation, cross-check images and distribution maps from the USDA Plants Database or the Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder.

Chemical Components and Medicinal Properties of the Toothache Tree

Scientific research has revealed why the Toothache Tree (Zanthoxylum spp.) has long been prized as a natural anesthetic. Every part of the plant, from its roots and bark to its leaves, sap, flowers, and fruits,  contains powerful bioactive compounds including zanthoxylin, coumarin, sesamin, and a mix of potent resinoids.

The compound zanthoxylin is the key ingredient responsible for the tree’s signature numbing effect. Its chemical behavior closely resembles benzocaine, a modern dental anesthetic commonly used in products like Orajel. When chewed or applied topically, it triggers an immediate tingling or numbing sensation that can temporarily relieve pain in the teeth, gums, or tongue.

However, this natural painkiller is not without risk. Both coumarin and sesamin, naturally occurring glycosides, can be toxic in high concentrations. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine large doses of coumarin can damage liver cells and interfere with blood clotting mechanisms. This is why only small, controlled amounts of Toothache Tree material should be used, especially in homemade remedies.

Traditional herbalists and field medics emphasize moderation: use just enough leaf, bark, or fruit to dull the pain, and never swallow the pulp or sap. Overuse may lead to vomiting, nausea, or gastrointestinal irritation.

Natural Painkillers Found in Zanthoxylum

The Toothache Tree owes its numbing power to a group of potent bioactive alkaloids and essential oils concentrated in its bark, leaves, sap, and fruit. The primary compounds — zanthoxylin, coumarin, sesamin, and fagaramide — work together to block pain signals, reduce inflammation, and stimulate saliva flow, all of which provide temporary comfort for tooth and gum pain.

The star compound, zanthoxylin, acts similarly to benzocaine, a topical anesthetic found in modern dental gels. When applied to mucous membranes (such as gums or inner cheek tissue), it triggers a localized tingling or numbing effect that can last from a few minutes to several hours depending on concentration and tissue exposure.

Coumarin and sesamin, meanwhile, exhibit mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties but must be used carefully. According to studies published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, coumarin can be toxic in high doses, potentially causing liver stress or blood thinning when ingested in large quantities.

For survival use, the safest approach is localized, external application only. Avoid swallowing or using concentrated extracts unless properly diluted. When harvesting, always wear protective gloves and store plant material in dark glass jars such as Amber Boston Rounds 4 oz. to protect the volatile oils from degradation.

Traditional healers across the Americas and Africa have used Zanthoxylum bark as a substitute for cloves or pepper in pain remedies, while modern phytochemists confirm its potential as a natural anesthetic, antiseptic, and antimicrobial agent for minor dental and wound care when handled correctly.

How the Toothache Tree Numbs Pain

The numbing sensation produced by chewing or applying parts of the Toothache Tree is not just folklore, it’s a real, measurable biochemical effect. When a small piece of the inner bark, leaf, or fruit is chewed, the zanthoxylin and related alkaloids penetrate the mucous membranes and stimulate the trigeminal nerve endings responsible for sensing pain and temperature.

This stimulation causes a brief burst of tingling or mild burning, followed by reversible desensitization, effectively dulling pain in the gums, teeth, or lips for a short time. The reaction is comparable to capsaicin in chili peppers, but with the opposite outcome: instead of prolonged irritation, the nerve endings become temporarily numb due to overstimulation and local anesthesia.

This process explains why the Toothache Tree was historically called “tickle tongue” by settlers and “Hercules’ club” by early botanists. Indigenous tribes across North America,  including the Cherokee and Creek,  used it not only for toothache relief but also for sore throat, neuralgia, and rheumatic pain.

A field-tested approach recommended in survival medicine manuals such as Where There Is No Dentist involves creating a small bark or leaf poultice and pressing it gently between the gum and inner cheek. Relief can last 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the individual’s pain threshold and the tree’s potency.

Because the numbing effect is localized, it’s ideal for short-term pain management in off-grid or wilderness settings where professional dental care is unavailable. However, as the compounds can irritate sensitive tissues, always spit out the residue and rinse your mouth afterward with clean water.

For precision and hygiene in field applications, pack a compact survival tweezers and scalpel set to handle plant material safely and avoid excessive sap contact with skin.

How to Treat Toothache Pain Naturally

Step-by-Step Paste Application

In a survival or off-grid emergency where professional dental care isn’t available, the Toothache Tree (Zanthoxylum spp.) can provide temporary pain relief for cavities, abscesses, or broken teeth. This is not a cure, it’s a field-expedient anesthetic that numbs the pain until proper treatment can be reached.

Follow these steps carefully to prepare and apply a natural toothache paste:

• Locate and identify a confirmed Toothache Tree (see identification section above).
• Harvest one fresh leaf or a small strip of inner bark — about the size of your thumbnail. Use sanitized tools or a sharp knife disinfected with rubbing alcohol.
• Roll the leaf into a tube and moisten it slightly with saliva or clean water to soften the tissue.
• Crush it thoroughly between your fingers or grind it using a clean stone or metal spoon to form a green, pulpy paste.
• Apply directly to the affected tooth or gum area. Use sterile tweezers or a wooden applicator to avoid contamination.
• Hold in place by gently pressing the paste between the gum and inner cheek. Avoid swallowing any juice or saliva that accumulates.
• Spit frequently, the compounds in the plant can irritate your stomach if swallowed.

Pain relief typically begins within 1–3 minutes, producing a mild tingling followed by numbness that can last anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the severity of the toothache and the individual’s sensitivity.

If leaves are unavailable (such as in winter), use the inner bark or fruit instead, both contain the same numbing compounds. Always rinse your mouth afterward with clean, cool water or a saltwater solution (½ teaspoon salt in 1 cup of boiled water cooled to room temperature) to reduce irritation and disinfect the area.

For wilderness medics, carrying a compact antiseptic kit like the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .5  ensures you can safely clean your mouth before and after treatment.

Safety Warnings and Side Effects

While effective for short-term relief, Toothache Tree paste should be used with caution and moderation. The same compounds that numb pain can also irritate tissue or cause mild toxicity if overused.

Key safety guidelines:

• Do not swallow the paste or saliva during treatment. This can cause nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset.
• Avoid alcohol consumption while using the plant, ethanol can amplify the toxicity of coumarin and other glycosides.
• Test for allergies first by rubbing a small amount of sap on your inner wrist. Wait 24 hours. Redness or burning means you should avoid further use.
• Never use on children, pregnant women, or people with liver disease due to potential coumarin sensitivity.
• Limit use to once or twice a day, and do not exceed one leaf or bark fragment per application.

If swelling, abscess, or fever persists, seek professional dental help as soon as possible. Remember, the Toothache Tree is a temporary emergency measure, not a substitute for antibiotics or dental surgery.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, untreated dental infections can lead to serious systemic illness if bacteria spread to the bloodstream. Therefore, use this plant only to manage pain until proper medical care can be accessed.

For long-term preparedness, include clove oil, antibiotic ointment, and a temporary filling kit such as DenTek Temparin Max Repair Kit in your bug-out or homestead medical kit.

Broader Medicinal Uses in Survival Medicine

Wound Care, Infection Control, and Pain Relief

Beyond its numbing power for dental pain, the Toothache Tree (Zanthoxylum spp.) has long been valued as a versatile survival medicine in regions where modern healthcare is scarce. The bark, sap, and roots contain natural antiseptic and anesthetic compounds that make them valuable tools for first aid in the field.

In traditional medicine across the American South, Central America, and Africa, sap and bark poultices have been applied to cuts, sores, and ulcerated wounds to reduce pain and prevent infection. The watery sap acts as a mild local anesthetic and has been used in jungle medicine to treat knife wounds, machete injuries, and even bullet wounds in emergencies.

To make a simple antibacterial bark wash, boil a handful of crushed bark chips in one pint of clean water for 10–15 minutes. Once cooled, strain and apply the liquid to wounds using a clean cloth or cotton pad. This solution can also be used as a mouth rinse or skin wash for insect bites, rashes, or irritations.

For an antiseptic poultice, mix powdered bark with warm, sterile water to form a paste and apply directly to infected areas. Replace every 3–4 hours. This method was traditionally used to treat abscesses, ulcers, and inflamed skin.

Survival medics often combine Toothache Tree bark extract with other natural antiseptics such as tea tree oil or pine resin for increased antibacterial action. Always test for sensitivity before large-scale use.

For easier field use, pack a small collapsible camping pot like the MSR Titan Kettle to boil water for plant extractions and sterilization.

Scientific Research on Antimicrobial Power

Modern laboratory research confirms what indigenous medicine has known for generations, the Toothache Tree is a natural antibiotic powerhouse.

Studies published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology and Phytotherapy Research show that ethanol extracts of Zanthoxylum bark exhibit strong antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Salmonella typhi, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

These are among the same bacteria responsible for pneumonia, dysentery, typhoid, and sepsis, diseases that can quickly become fatal in post-collapse or wilderness settings where antibiotics are unavailable.

In controlled tests, Zanthoxylum extracts were also found to inhibit fungal and yeast growth, including Candida albicans, making it potentially useful for fungal skin infections or athlete’s foot when applied topically.

Field herbalists and ethnobotanists note that toothache bark tea doubles as both a wound disinfectant and an internal remedy for diarrhea and gastrointestinal infection. In small doses (1 teaspoon of bark per cup of boiled water), it helps reduce intestinal inflammation and may shorten the duration of bacterial diarrhea, though overuse can irritate the stomach lining.

According to PubMed Central, Zanthoxylum species have been studied for their anticholinergic effects, meaning they can calm overactive muscles and reduce spasms, one reason why the bark tea was historically used to relieve stomach cramps and cholera symptoms in tropical regions.

For safer long-term storage, dehydrate small bark strips using a solar dryer or desiccant packets inside a sealed container. A good option are the silica gel packets to keep your herbal supplies moisture-free.

Related article: The Most Powerful Antiseptics You Can Make At Home

The Toothache Tree’s Other Survival Uses

Food and Cooking Applications

Although primarily valued for its medicinal qualities, the Toothache Tree, also has limited culinary uses when properly prepared. Its leaves, flowers, and young fruits can serve as a food flavoring or seasoning, particularly in regions where pepper and spices are scarce.

When thoroughly cooked, the plant’s toxic glycosides , such as coumarin and sesamin, are broken down, rendering the leaves and fruits safe in small quantities. In rural Central and South America, finely ground bark or dried fruits are often used as a substitute for black pepper due to their peppery, citrus-like flavor and mild numbing aftertaste.

To use in the field:

• Dry and crush the fruits or bark into powder using a manual grinder such as the Victoria Cast Iron Hand Mill
• Sprinkle small amounts into meat stews, soups, or roasted game to mask strong wild flavors and aid digestion.
• Mix with wild garlic or sumac for added tang.

Frontiersmen once noted that adding a few leaves or seeds to game meat while boiling helped neutralize the musky taste of older animals.

However, because of the plant’s potent chemistry, Zanthoxylum should never be eaten raw. Always cook thoroughly. Over consumption can lead to mild dizziness, nausea, or stomach irritation.

If you want to learn more about survival cooking with wild plants, see our guide Top Ten Trees for Survival and Wilderness Living.

Insecticides, Dyes, and Hunting Uses

Every part of the Toothache Tree has practical off-grid applications. The sap and bark extract contain compounds that make powerful natural insecticides and herbicides, a huge advantage for preppers growing food organically.

To make a homemade garden spray, mix:

• 1 quart of water
• 2 tablespoons of bark or sap extract
• 1 teaspoon of pyrethrum powder (from dried chrysanthemum flowers)

Shake and spray on plants to repel aphids, mites, and leaf borers. According to research in Plant Protection Quarterly, Zanthoxylum compounds disrupt insect nerve function without damaging plant tissues.

Additionally, boiling the roots produces a yellow dye that can double as an herbicidal solution or nematocide, killing parasitic worms that attack plant roots. Use caution near desired crops.

Hunters and trappers can also benefit. Spraying fences or trap lines with diluted bark tea helps mask human scent and repel rabbits and small pests. Even washing your hands or hair in the solution before hunting can reduce odor detection.

Field tests show that gear soaked in bark tea, boots, gloves, traps, remains odor-neutral for several hours, improving stealth in the field. Combine this with unscented soap like Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented Castile Soap for an effective scent-control system.

Firewood, Incense, and Wildlife Interactions

Though too warped and brittle for lumber, the Toothache Tree still serves multiple roles around camp or homestead. Its dry wood burns with a pleasant, aromatic smoke, useful for repelling mosquitoes and flies when burned as incense or added to campfire coals.

Interestingly, the fresh wood is quite fire resistant, often needing kindling or fatwood to ignite. However, once lit, toothache tree charcoal burns hot and long, making it excellent for metalwork, cooking, or improvised blacksmithing. The tree’s resistance to termite attack makes it suitable for tool handles, fence posts, and fuel-wood in humid climates.

Wildlife also thrives on this plant. Its flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while the ripe fruits feed quail, wild turkey, songbirds, and field mice, especially in winter when other food sources are scarce. The thorny branches provide safe nesting cover for small birds, protecting them from snakes and predators.

In tropical regions, stinging ants often inhabit the bark’s corky warts, forming a mutual defense system, the ants protect the tree, and the tree gives them shelter. When harvesting bark or fruit, always check for ant colonies before cutting.

For long-term storage or camp use, keep small bundles of bark chips sealed in a mesh drawstring bag such as Natural Cotton Spice Bags. These allow airflow while keeping pests out.

 

Safety Precautions and Toxicity Warnings

While the Toothache Tree is an invaluable medicinal resource, it must be used with care and respect. Every survivalist or forager should treat it as a crude, potent drug, effective in small amounts, dangerous in excess.

Handling and Harvesting Safety

The tree’s thorns and corky bark can easily puncture skin, causing painful lacerations that heal slowly due to embedded plant oils and possible bacterial exposure. Always wear thick gloves and long sleeves when cutting or handling branches.

When harvesting bark or leaves:

• Use sterilized pruning shears or a clean knife.
• Avoid over harvesting; never remove bark from more than ⅓ of the tree’s circumference, or you risk killing it.
• Collect only mature leaves or thin outer bark, these have the highest concentration of numbing compounds but are easier to process.

If sap gets on your skin, wash immediately with soap and cool water. The sap can cause dermatitis or burning in sensitive individuals. For skin protection during extended handling, apply a thin layer of barrier cream such as Gloves In A Bottle Shielding Lotion.

Toxicity and Overdose Risks

The Toothache Tree’s bioactive compounds, zanthoxylin, coumarin, and sesamin, can be toxic in large amounts. These substances may cause nausea, vomiting, or neurological effects if swallowed or applied excessively.

According to toxicological data from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), coumarin in particular can damage liver cells and interfere with normal blood clotting when consumed in high doses.

To stay safe:

• Do not ingest raw bark, seeds, or large quantities of tea.
• Limit topical use to once or twice daily.
• Never use internally for more than three consecutive days without rest.
• Avoid combining with alcohol, aspirin, or blood-thinning medications, which can amplify toxicity.

Symptoms of overuse include dizziness, stomach cramps, numb throat, or excessive salivation. If these occur, stop use immediately and rinse your mouth or skin with clean water. In severe cases, seek medical care or call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) if in the U.S.

Allergy Testing and Personal Sensitivity

Before applying any part of the Toothache Tree to your skin or mouth, perform a sensitivity test:

• Rub a small piece of leaf or bark on the inner wrist or forearm.
• Wait 24 hours and monitor for redness, rash, or irritation.
• If no reaction occurs, proceed with cautious use.

Some individuals with plant allergies or eczema may react strongly to Zanthoxylum oils. Always test before using any herbal preparation on broken skin.

Keep materials out of reach of children and pets. The peppery taste can tempt animals to chew bark or fruits, which may cause gastrointestinal distress or poisoning.

Safe Storage and Labeling

For homestead or bug-out storage:

• Dry all plant materials completely before storing.
• Label jars with species name, date, and part harvested.
• Store in cool, dark, airtight containers
• Keep separate from food containers to avoid accidental ingestion.

Add a warning note: “External use only – Do not swallow!”

Rotate stored material every 12 months to maintain potency and prevent mold growth.

A Closing Word

The Toothache Tree (Zanthoxylum spp.) is one of nature’s most remarkable wilderness medicines, a living testament to the power and danger of wild pharmacology. Its numbing bark and leaves can bring swift, effective relief to unbearable toothache pain when no dentist or pharmacy is available. Yet, like all potent natural remedies, it demands respect, moderation, and knowledge.

Used correctly, it can help a survivalist or homesteader endure emergencies where infection or pain might otherwise become debilitating. Used carelessly, it can cause poisoning, tissue irritation, or even long-term health damage.

Remember, the Toothache Tree is a temporary ally, not a replacement for trained medical care. In any prolonged dental or oral infection, professional intervention remains essential. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), untreated tooth infections can spread to the jaw, sinuses, and bloodstream, potentially becoming life-threatening.

When using any wild medicine, adopt a measured, disciplined approach:

• Test your sensitivity first.
• Use only what’s necessary for immediate relief.
• Keep detailed field notes on dosage, effects, and any reactions.

Think of the Toothache Tree as part of your survival toolkit, not a miracle cure. It belongs beside your antiseptics, antibiotics, and clean water supply, as a bridge between hardship and recovery.

Final caution: Over-reliance can lead to addiction or misuse. Always respect dosage limits (no more than one leaf or small bark chip per treatment) and avoid repeated use over consecutive days.

As preppers, our goal is not merely to survive, it’s to survive wisely. Intimate knowledge of the plants around us gives us confidence, independence, and the ability to face adversity with calm and skill.

🪶About the Author

Bob Rodgers is an lifelong outdoorsman, herbalist and seasoned prepper with over 20 years of real-world survival experience. As the founder of PreppersWill.com, he shares practical advice on self-reliance, off-grid living, and disaster preparedness, no hype, just hard-earned lessons from decades of hands-on prepping.

Last Updated: October 2025

Frequently Asked Questions About the Toothache Tree

1. What is the Toothache Tree and where does it grow?

The Toothache Tree (Zanthoxylum spp.), also called prickly ash or Hercules’ club, is a small deciduous tree or shrub native to the southern United States and other warm regions of the world. It thrives in dry, open woodlands, fence rows, and pasture edges. Its bark, leaves, and fruits contain natural numbing compounds that make it useful for pain relief and first aid in survival settings.

2. How does the Toothache Tree relieve toothache pain?

The tree contains zanthoxylin, a natural alkaloid that works like benzocaine, the active ingredient in many dental gels. When a small piece of bark or leaf is chewed (and not swallowed), it causes a tingling or numbing sensation that blocks pain signals in the mouth. This provides temporary relief from toothache pain, especially in remote or off-grid situations.

3. Is the Toothache Tree safe to use?

It should be used with caution and moderation. The compounds coumarin and sesamin found in its bark and leaves can be toxic if swallowed in large amounts. Only use a small quantity externally and never ingest the sap or raw plant material. Always test for allergic reactions by applying a small amount to your inner wrist first, and avoid using it on children, pregnant women, or anyone with liver conditions.

4. What other survival uses does the Toothache Tree have?

The Toothache Tree is incredibly versatile. Its bark tea can serve as a natural antiseptic wash for wounds, while sap extracts mixed with pyrethrum make an effective insect repellent. Boiled roots can yield a yellow dye and mild herbicide. The dried bark burns with a pleasant aroma, repelling mosquitoes, and its dense charcoal produces a hot flame ideal for metalworking or campfire cooking.

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