Alpinia purpurata vs Leptospermum Scoparium

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Alpinia purpurata

Antimicrobial

Leptospermum scoparium

Antimicrobial

Alpinia purpurata

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Leptospermum Scoparium

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Pacific Island ornamental ginger with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Shrub native to New Zealand used by Maori for wound healing and as the source of manuka honey, with potent antimicrobial methylglyoxal compounds.

Active Compounds

flavonoids, kaempferol derivatives, quercetin, terpenes

methylglyoxal, leptospermone, flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, triketones

Traditional Uses

antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, infections

wound healing, antimicrobial, skin infections, sore throat, anti-inflammatory

Modern Uses

antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant

wound healing, antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, skin care

Adult Dosage

3-6g leaf or flower bracts as tea

Manuka honey 1–2 tbsp daily or diluted oil topically

Contraindications

pregnancy large doses

allergy to Manuka, infants under 1 year (honey)

Side Effects

generally safe

rare allergic reactions, skin sensitization from oil

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E