Fo Shou vs Aucklandia lappa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Fo Shou

Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis

Digestive

Digestive

Fo Shou

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Aucklandia lappa

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

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

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

Active Compounds

limonene, hesperidin, coumarins, flavonoids, essential oils

costunolide, dehydrocostus lactone, aplotaxene, cynaropicrin, inulin

Traditional Uses

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

abdominal pain, digestive stagnation, nausea, liver qi stagnation

Modern Uses

digestive support, carminative, anti-inflammatory, mood elevation

carminative, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, prokinetic

Adult Dosage

3–9g dried fruit slices as tea

1.5-6g dried root or 200mg extract daily

Contraindications

yin deficiency, pregnancy high doses

yin deficiency heat, excessive fire conditions

Side Effects

very well tolerated, mild dry mouth

GI upset, generally safe at therapeutic doses

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E