Kaempferia angustifolia vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Kaempferia angustifolia

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Kaempferia angustifolia

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Vitellaria Paradoxa

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Thai traditional medicine herb; rhizome used for skin conditions and as aromatic stimulant.

West African tree whose seeds produce shea butter, used widely in traditional medicine for skin conditions, anti-inflammatory applications, and food.

Active Compounds

essential oils, flavonoids, tannins, starch

triterpene alcohols, allantoin, cinnamic acid esters, stearic acid, oleic acid

Traditional Uses

skin conditions, digestive complaints, aromatic stimulant

skin conditions, wound healing, inflammation, muscle pain, sun protection

Modern Uses

topical anti-inflammatory, digestive stimulant

skin moisturizing, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, UV protection

Adult Dosage

Rhizome paste topically; 3-5g decoction

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

pregnancy

allergy to shea

Side Effects

skin irritation, GI upset

rare allergic contact dermatitis

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E