Zanthoxylum armatum varies in habit from a prickly, deciduous to evergreen shrub, woody climber or small tree growing up to 5 metres tall. The plant is mainly gathered from the wild for use as a condiment and medicine, as well as for various other commodities. It is sometimes also cultivated and is grown as a hedge in northern India. The seeds and the bark are stomachic and vermifuge. They are used as an aromatic tonic in the treatment of fevers, dyspepsia and cholera. Zanthoxylum armatum contains DMT in leaves.