Sea Holly vs Prunus avium

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Sea Holly

Eryngium maritimum

Urinary

Urinary

Sea Holly

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Prunus avium

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

European coastal plant historically used as an aphrodisiac and diuretic; roots used for urinary and kidney conditions in European folk medicine.

European cherry tree; stalks (peduncles) used as diuretic; bark for cough; fruit highly nutritious.

Active Compounds

saponins, tannins, flavonoids, essential oils, rosmarinic acid

amygdalin, malic acid, citric acid, anthocyanins, quercetin, kaempferol

Traditional Uses

Urinary disorders, Kidney conditions, Aphrodisiac use, Cough

urinary conditions, cough, gout, arthritis, inflammation

Modern Uses

Diuretic activity, Anti-inflammatory effects, Antimicrobial properties, Expectorant action

diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitussive

Adult Dosage

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

5-10g dried cherry stalks as tea or 2-3ml tincture

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Kidney disease (acute)

amygdalin in seeds - toxic, kidney disease

Side Effects

Mild diuretic effects, Gastric irritation with excess

GI upset, seeds toxic

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E