Patchouli vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Patchouli

Pogostemon cablin

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Patchouli

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Vitellaria Paradoxa

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Southeast Asian aromatic herb with distinctive earthy scent used in Jamu medicine and perfumery.

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

Active Compounds

patchouli alcohol, norpatchoulenol, pogostol, alpha-bulnesene, beta-patchoulene

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

Traditional Uses

Indonesian Jamu tonic, Malay skin herb, Chinese herbal insect repellent

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

Modern Uses

skin conditions, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, aromatherapy

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

Adult Dosage

1-2% diluted oil topically; aromatherapy as needed

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

pregnancy, skin sensitivity

allergy to shea

Side Effects

contact dermatitis, skin sensitization

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