Artemisia afra vs Eucalyptus Polybractea

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Artemisia afra

Respiratory

Eucalyptus polybractea

Respiratory

Artemisia afra

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Eucalyptus Polybractea

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Most widely used medicinal plant in Southern Africa; used by virtually all ethnic groups for respiratory conditions.

Australian mallee eucalyptus species highest in 1,8-cineole content used by Aboriginal peoples and in aromatherapy for respiratory conditions.

Active Compounds

1,8-cineole, camphor, borneol, alpha-thujone, artemisia ketone, flavonoids

1,8-cineole, alpha-pinene, limonene, globulol, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

colds, flu, respiratory infections, fever, malaria

respiratory infections, cough, fever, antiseptic, muscle pain

Modern Uses

antimicrobial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant

expectorant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, decongestant

Adult Dosage

3-6g dried herb or 2-4ml tincture daily

2–4 drops in steam inhalation or diluted topically

Contraindications

pregnancy, epilepsy, thujone content

infant application on face, epilepsy, allergy to eucalyptus

Side Effects

GI upset, uterine stimulation

skin irritation, respiratory irritation if undiluted

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E