Tagetes minuta vs Lai Fu Zi Digestive

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Tagetes minuta

Digestive

Raphanus sativus (seed)

Digestive

Tagetes minuta

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Lai Fu Zi Digestive

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

South American Tagetes naturalized worldwide used in folk medicine for digestive complaints and as insect repellent.

TCM seed that descends qi and resolves food stagnation.

Active Compounds

thiophene derivatives, cis-tagetone, limonene, flavonoids

Sinapine, Glucosinolates, Erucic acid, Volatile oils

Traditional Uses

Digestive complaints in South American folk medicine, Insect repellent, Antibacterial use

Food stagnation, Bloating, Belching, Cough with phlegm

Modern Uses

Carminative effects, Insect repellent, Antimicrobial

Digestive aid, Qi descender, Expectorant

Adult Dosage

3-5 g dried herb as tea; diluted essential oil

6-12g in decoction daily

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Skin sensitization from oil

Qi deficiency, With ginseng/ren shen

Side Effects

Skin sensitization, Mild GI upset

GI upset, Gas

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E