Alnus incana vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Alnus incana

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Alnus incana

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Vitellaria Paradoxa

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

A circumpolar alder species used by Northern peoples as an astringent and wound-healing herb.

West African tree whose seeds produce shea butter, used widely in traditional medicine for skin conditions, anti-inflammatory applications, and food.

Active Compounds

tannins, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids

triterpene alcohols, allantoin, cinnamic acid esters, stearic acid, oleic acid

Traditional Uses

Wound healing, Astringent use, Fever treatment

skin conditions, wound healing, inflammation, muscle pain, sun protection

Modern Uses

Wound care, Anti-inflammatory activity

skin moisturizing, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, UV protection

Adult Dosage

2g dried bark as tea

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

Pregnancy caution

allergy to shea

Side Effects

Constipation with excess

rare allergic contact dermatitis

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E