Lawsonia inermis vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Lawsonia inermis

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Description

A tropical plant famous for natural hair and skin dye; also used medicinally for skin conditions, headache, and liver.

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

Active Compounds

lawsone, tannins, gallic acid, flavonoids

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

Traditional Uses

Hair dye and skin decoration, Headache relief, Skin conditions

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

Modern Uses

Antimicrobial activity, Anti-inflammatory use, Wound healing

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

Adult Dosage

Topical paste as needed; 2-3g leaf tea

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

G6PD deficiency, Pregnancy caution for internal use

allergy to shea

Side Effects

Contact dermatitis in G6PD deficiency

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