Polish Calendula vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Polish Calendula

Calendula officinalis var. polonica

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Polish Calendula

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Vitellaria Paradoxa

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Calendula variety cultivated in Poland used extensively in European folk medicine for skin, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing.

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

Active Compounds

calendulosides, oleanolic acid, flavonoids, resin

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

Traditional Uses

wound healing in Polish folk medicine, treatment of skin rashes, anti-inflammatory compress

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

Modern Uses

wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antifungal

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

Adult Dosage

2-4g dried flowers as tea; topical as needed

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

asteraceae allergy, pregnancy - emmenagogue

allergy to shea

Side Effects

rare allergic reaction

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