Sweet Fern vs Acacia nilotica

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Sweet Fern

Comptonia peregrina

Digestive

Digestive

Description

Aromatic shrub of eastern North American dry woods; used by many Indigenous peoples for diarrhea, wound healing and insect repellent.

Ancient African and Middle Eastern tree; gum used since ancient Egypt; bark and pods medicinal.

Active Compounds

myricadiol, catechins, tannins, essential oils, flavonoids

gum arabic, arabinogalactans, gallic acid, ellagic acid, catechin, tannins

Traditional Uses

Diarrhea and dysentery by Abenaki and other tribes, Wound healing and skin conditions, Insect repellent use, Smoke fumigant for insects

digestive disorders, cough, wound healing, gum disease, diarrhea

Modern Uses

Astringent, Wound healing, Insect repellent, Anti-inflammatory

prebiotic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial

Adult Dosage

2–3 g dried leaves as tea; topical poultice; smoke fumigant

5-15g gum or 3-6g bark tea daily

Contraindications

No known significant contraindications

excessive doses, drug absorption interference

Side Effects

GI upset in excess

GI bloating, gas, generally safe

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E