Symphoricarpos Albus Herb vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Symphoricarpos Albus Herb

Symphoricarpos albus

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Symphoricarpos Albus Herb

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Vitellaria Paradoxa

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

North American shrub with white berries used by Indigenous peoples for skin conditions, stomach ailments, and fever.

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

Active Compounds

chelidonine trace, saponins, tannins, flavonoids

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

Traditional Uses

skin condition remedy in Native American folk medicine, treatment of stomach ailments, fever reduction herb

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

Modern Uses

astringent, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial

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

Adult Dosage

2-4g dried bark or leaf as tea

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

pregnancy, toxic berries especially for children

allergy to shea

Side Effects

GI upset, vomiting from berries

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