Loosestrife vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Loosestrife

Lysimachia vulgaris

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Description

Tall perennial of European wetlands; used in European folk medicine for wound healing and diarrhea; distinct from purple loosestrife.

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

Active Compounds

tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, saponins

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

Traditional Uses

Diarrhea and dysentery in European folk medicine, Wound healing poultice, Nosebleeds, Used as gentle astringent across European herbal traditions

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

Modern Uses

Astringent, Wound healing, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial

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

Adult Dosage

2–3 g dried herb as tea; 1–2 mL tincture; topical poultice

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

No known significant contraindications

allergy to shea

Side Effects

GI upset in high doses

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