Taro Leaf vs Lamium purpureum

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Taro Leaf

Colocasia esculenta

Nutritive

Nutritive

Description

Pan-tropical staple plant with traditional medicinal uses for digestive and skin conditions.

European annual weed with edible and medicinal properties; spring tonic herb.

Active Compounds

calcium oxalate crystals, saponins, alkaloids, polysaccharides, minerals

iridoids, tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids

Traditional Uses

Pacific island medicine, African traditional food, Asian folk medicine

spring tonic, wound healing, digestive aid, bleeding

Modern Uses

nutritive (cooked only), digestive (cooked), skin conditions (topical leaf)

anti-inflammatory, astringent, nutritive

Adult Dosage

As cooked food; topical leaf applications

3-5g fresh or dried herb daily

Contraindications

raw consumption (toxic), kidney oxalate conditions

pregnancy large doses

Side Effects

oral blistering (raw), kidney stones (oxalate)

generally very safe as food

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E