Tormentil vs Acacia nilotica

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Tormentil

Potentilla erecta

Digestive

Digestive

Description

A European herb with one of the highest tannin contents of any plant (15-20%), making it an extraordinarily powerful astringent.

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

Active Compounds

Tannins (15-20%), Tormentol, Ellagic acid, Catechins

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

Traditional Uses

Diarrhea, Sore throat gargle, Mouth ulcers, Wound healing

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

Modern Uses

Anti-diarrheal, Astringent, Antimicrobial, Anti-rotaviral

prebiotic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial

Adult Dosage

2-3g dried rhizome as decoction 3x daily

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

Contraindications

Constipation, Iron absorption concerns (tannins)

excessive doses, drug absorption interference

Side Effects

Nausea, GI upset

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