Wachendorfia thyrsiflora vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Wachendorfia thyrsiflora

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Wachendorfia thyrsiflora

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Vitellaria Paradoxa

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

South African herb with bright red rhizomes used by Khoikhoi and Cape traditions for skin conditions and wounds.

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

Active Compounds

norharman, haemocorin, reddish phenolics

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

Traditional Uses

Khoikhoi skin treatment, Wound healing, Dye from red rhizomes

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

Modern Uses

Wound healing properties, Antimicrobial effects

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

Adult Dosage

Rhizome paste applied topically

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

Avoid internal use - contains potent alkaloids

allergy to shea

Side Effects

Skin staining from red compounds

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