Swertia Bimaculata vs Onopordum acanthium

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Swertia Bimaculata

Swertia bimaculata

Liver Support

Onopordum acanthium

Liver Support

⚠️ Pregnancy & Nursing Warnings

Swertia Bimaculata

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Onopordum acanthium

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Bitter annual herb from alpine meadows of China and the Himalayas used in Tibetan and TCM medicine as a digestive bitter, liver tonic, and fever herb.

Majestic silvery thistle; national symbol of Scotland; used in European folk medicine for cancer and fever.

Active Compounds

swerbilactone A, gentiopicroside, xanthones, swertiamarin, mangiferin

onopordine, acanthoidin, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins

Traditional Uses

liver disorders, digestive weakness, fever, snake bite, anti-inflammatory

cancer historically, fever, liver, digestive disorders

Modern Uses

hepatoprotective, digestive bitter, antipyretic, antimicrobial

anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant

Adult Dosage

1–3g powder or 200ml decoction 3x daily

3-5g dried leaf or 2-3ml tincture daily

Contraindications

pregnancy, nursing, gastric ulcers

asteraceae allergy, pregnancy

Side Effects

nausea, gastric irritation

contact dermatitis from spines, GI upset

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E

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