Lespedeza capitata vs Restharrow

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Lespedeza capitata

Urinary

Ononis spinosa

Urinary

Lespedeza capitata

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Restharrow

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

North American prairie legume used by Ojibwe and other tribes for kidney and neurological conditions.

European folk herb used as a diuretic for kidney stones, gout, and urinary conditions; traditional German Commission E approved herb.

Active Compounds

lespedezin, flavonoids, isoflavones, tannins

ononetin, formononetin, ononin, liquiritigenin, tannins

Traditional Uses

kidney conditions, urinary complaints, neurological conditions

Urinary gravel, Kidney conditions, Gout, Edema

Modern Uses

urinary antiseptic, kidney tonic, anti-inflammatory

Diuretic activity, Anti-inflammatory effects, Uricosuric properties

Adult Dosage

3-5g dried herb tea 3x/day

Root tea: 2-3 cups daily; 1-2ml tincture 3x daily

Contraindications

kidney disease (potential oxalate), pregnancy

Pregnancy (diuretic), Kidney inflammation (acute)

Side Effects

GI upset, mild diuresis

Mild digestive effects, Possible estrogen-like effects (isoflavones)

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E