Herbadex

Guides and comparisons

Short guides and side-by-side comparisons, based on EMA sources, for using herbs safely.

Guides

✓ 0 of 7 guides read

  • How to Prepare Herbal Tea

    Infusion, decoction or maceration: which method suits which herb, how long to steep it and how long a prepared herbal tea can be kept.

  • How to Use Essential Oils Safely

    Essential oils are very concentrated: most must not be swallowed, and some can stop a small child breathing. Core safety rules from EMA warnings.

  • Herbal Products and Drug Interactions

    St John's wort can weaken the pill; ginkgo and garlic can increase bleeding. The most important herb–drug interactions according to EMA monographs.

  • Herbal Products in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

    The EMA does not recommend most herbs it assessed during pregnancy, and some are contraindicated. What to know about herbal products in pregnancy.

  • Same Name, Different Plants

    Thyme, sage, St John's wort, ginseng, cinnamon: several plants share one common name. Why the Latin name matters for buying the right herb.

  • Buying and Storing Herbs Safely at Home

    Species mix-ups, moisture, mould and volatile oil loss in loose herbs: how to check Latin names, spot quality issues and store dried herbs safely at home.

  • Understanding Evidence Levels (A, B, C and T)

    Strong clinical evidence (A), limited clinical trials (B), lab data (C) and traditional use (T): how to read herbal health claims critically and safely.

Comparisons

Safety Matrix →

  • Linden or Sage?

    Linden for colds, a sage gargle for sore throats: the differences, uses and safety warnings of two popular winter herbs side by side.

  • Chamomile or Lemon Balm?

    Chamomile for an upset stomach, lemon balm for stress and sleep: uses, age limits and pregnancy status of two calming herbal teas side by side.

  • Ginger or Turmeric?

    Two related roots: ginger for motion-sickness nausea, turmeric for fullness and wind. Their differences and warnings side by side, based on EMA assessments.

  • Fennel or Aniseed?

    Both are anethole-containing seeds used for wind and cough. Age limits, duration of use and breastfeeding warnings of fennel and aniseed side by side.

  • Valerian or Passion Flower?

    The two most searched herbs for sleep and stress: valerian has stronger clinical data, passion flower rests on traditional use. Their differences side by side.

  • St John's Wort and Centaury

    Two plants sharing one Turkish name: St John's wort interacts seriously with many medicines, centaury is used for indigestion. Their differences side by side.

  • Green Tea or Black Tea?

    Two teas from the same plant (Camellia sinensis): oxidation differences, caffeine warnings, iron absorption effects and safe limits side by side.

  • Linseed or Psyllium Husk?

    Two bulk-forming fibre sources for constipation: water requirements, age limits and medicine spacing for linseed and psyllium husk side by side.

  • Thyme Tea or Thyme Essential Oil?

    Dried thyme herb can be steeped as a tea, whereas pure thyme essential oil is highly concentrated. Routes, age limits and safety warnings side by side.

  • Black Seed or Black Seed Oil?

    Whole black seed spice versus cold-pressed black seed oil: typical amounts, blood sugar and blood pressure interactions, and pregnancy notes side by side.

  • Peppermint Leaf Tea or Peppermint Oil?

    Peppermint leaf tea for mild indigestion versus peppermint essential oil in gastro-resistant capsules or diluted topical use: differences side by side.

  • Korean Ginseng or Siberian Ginseng?

    Two different plants used traditionally for fatigue (Panax ginseng and Eleutherococcus senticosus): duration limits and blood pressure warnings side by side.

Compare Two Herbs Side by Side

Select any two herbs to compare their evidence levels, preparation routes, pregnancy status and drug interactions side by side.

Compare Two Herbs Side by Side
AspectAfrican Cherry BarkPrunus africanaAlder Buckthorn BarkFrangula alnus
Strongest evidenceB Limited clinical evidenceB Limited clinical evidence
NeedsMen’s HealthDigestion
FormClay, Soap & OtherDried Herb & Tea
How to useThe standardised bark extract is taken by mouth as capsules or tablets. Long-term use is possible; the bark itself is not prepared at home.Cut bark equivalent to no more than 30 mg hydroxyanthracene derivatives in 150 ml of boiling water as an infusion, taken at bedtime. Use the lowest dose that gives a comfortable soft stool.
PregnancyUnknownAvoid
BreastfeedingUnknownAvoid
Recommended minimum ageFrom age 18From age 12
Drug interactionsNo recorded interactions1 serious interaction(s)
Duration limitNot stated1 week

Herb Safety & Evidence Literacy Quiz

Test your knowledge of herbal tea preparation, essential oil safety and drug interactions in 5 questions.

1 / 5

What does the 'Traditional use (T)' label mean in EMA HMPC monographs?