Tragopogon pratensis vs Alexanders

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Tragopogon pratensis

Digestive

Smyrnium olusatrum

Digestive

Tragopogon pratensis

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Alexanders

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

A European meadow herb with edible roots used in folk medicine as a digestive tonic and diuretic.

Biennial herb formerly cultivated as a vegetable and medicinal plant before being replaced by celery; used in medieval European medicine.

Active Compounds

inulin, flavonoids, tannins

isofuranodiene, smyrnioside, flavonoids, phthalides, volatile oils

Traditional Uses

Digestive tonic, Diuretic herb, Nutritive food

Diuretic, Digestive tonic, Used for digestive complaints, Scurvy prevention via vitamin C

Modern Uses

Digestive support, Nutritive use

Historical vegetable and medicine, Antioxidant, Digestive

Adult Dosage

Root as food; 2g dried root as tea

Young shoots as food; 2–3 g dried herb as tea

Contraindications

Asteraceae allergy

Allergy to Apiaceae

Side Effects

Rare reactions

Photosensitivity possible, Mild GI effects

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E