Sanguinaria Canadensis Herb vs Stellaria media

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Sanguinaria Canadensis Herb

Sanguinaria canadensis

Skin and Topical

Skin and Topical

Sanguinaria Canadensis Herb

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Stellaria media

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Native North American herb with red sap used by Indigenous peoples for respiratory conditions and topically for skin growths.

Common garden weed with cooling anti-inflammatory properties; widely used for skin conditions and as food.

Active Compounds

sanguinarine, chelerythrine, berberine, protopine

saponins, flavonoids, coumarins, vitamin C, minerals

Traditional Uses

treatment of croup and whooping cough in Native American medicine, topical escharotic for skin growths, oral hygiene ingredient

eczema, psoriasis, itching, cough, constipation

Modern Uses

antimicrobial, antiplaque, antitumor research

topical anti-inflammatory, skin soothing, nutritive food

Adult Dosage

Very small doses only under supervision; topical mainly

5-10g fresh herb or 2-3g dried tea 3x/day

Contraindications

pregnancy - abortifacient, internal use excess - extremely toxic, liver disease

known allergy

Side Effects

severe GI toxicity, liver damage

mild GI upset in large quantities

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E