Kapok vs Psidium Guineense

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Kapok

Ceiba pentandra

Digestive

Psidium guineense

Digestive

Kapok

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Psidium Guineense

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

A massive tropical tree sacred to the Maya, whose bark, leaves, and flowers are used in African and American folk medicine.

Small tree native to tropical America used in folk medicine across Brazil and the Caribbean for diarrhea, dysentery, and wound healing.

Active Compounds

Tannins, Saponins, Flavonoids, Ceibine

quercetin, guaijaverin, vitamin C, tannins, essential oils

Traditional Uses

Diarrhea, Fever, Wound healing, Fertility

diarrhea, dysentery, wound healing, fever, skin conditions

Modern Uses

Anti-diarrheal, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Antipyretic

antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, wound healing, anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

2-4g dried bark as decoction 2x daily

5–10g leaves as tea 3x daily or fruit as food

Contraindications

Pregnancy

constipation, pregnancy high doses

Side Effects

GI upset, Dizziness

constipation with overuse

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E