Eryngium foetidum vs Matico

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Eryngium foetidum

Antimicrobial

Piper angustifolium

Antimicrobial

Eryngium foetidum

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Matico

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Tropical American and Caribbean Apiaceae with strong coriander scent; used medidinally for fever, convulsions, and digestive complaints.

Peruvian pepper plant used by Incas and Spanish colonial physicians for wound healing and sexually transmitted infections.

Active Compounds

eryngial, flavonoids, triterpenoids, saponins

maticin, beta-sitosterol, apiol, diterpenes, tannins

Traditional Uses

Fever in Caribbean folk medicine, Convulsions treatment, Digestive complaints

Wound hemostatic in Peruvian traditional medicine, Gonorrhea treatment in historical use, Digestive complaints, Used by Incas for various infections

Modern Uses

Antipyretic effects, Anticonvulsant properties, Antimicrobial

Antimicrobial, Hemostatic, Anti-inflammatory, Antifungal

Adult Dosage

10-15 g fresh herb as tea

2–3 g leaves as tea; 2–3 mL tincture; topical poultice

Contraindications

Pregnancy in high doses

Pregnancy, Allergy to Piperaceae

Side Effects

Mild GI upset

GI irritation, Uterine stimulation

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E