Aucklandia lappa vs Fo Shou

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Aucklandia lappa

Digestive

Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis

Digestive

Aucklandia lappa

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Fo Shou

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Fragrant TCM herb that moves liver and spleen qi; used for abdominal pain and digestive stagnation.

Uniquely shaped citrus fruit used in TCM to regulate qi, harmonize the stomach, and dry dampness, valued for its intense floral fragrance.

Active Compounds

costunolide, dehydrocostus lactone, aplotaxene, cynaropicrin, inulin

limonene, hesperidin, coumarins, flavonoids, essential oils

Traditional Uses

abdominal pain, digestive stagnation, nausea, liver qi stagnation

liver qi stagnation, stomach pain, nausea, phlegm cough, hiccup

Modern Uses

carminative, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, prokinetic

digestive support, carminative, anti-inflammatory, mood elevation

Adult Dosage

1.5-6g dried root or 200mg extract daily

3–9g dried fruit slices as tea

Contraindications

yin deficiency heat, excessive fire conditions

yin deficiency, pregnancy high doses

Side Effects

GI upset, generally safe at therapeutic doses

very well tolerated, mild dry mouth

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E