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Herbs & Cultures

From Ayurveda to Rongoā Māori

Herbal knowledge and the cultures that passed it on

Communities around the world learned how plants nourish, care and heal. Here their traditions stand beside present-day use, with respect for every culture.

All 980 herbs from 43 traditions

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438 results

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Kinkeliba teaGuayusa, the tea before sunriseMāmaki teaOswego teaSpicebush tea
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Headache and migraine
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 150

    Black cohosh

    Actaea racemosa

    Mainly sold for menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes. NCCIH reports that study results are mixed and there is not enough evidence that it helps.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+4
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 706

    Kochia fruit (di fu zi)

    Bassia scoparia (syn. Kochia scoparia)

    Traditionally attributed effects: drains damp heat in cystitis and itchy, weeping skin.

    Chinese medical traditions
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 850

    Soursop

    Annona muricata

    A tree with a large, sweet-sour fruit. The leaf is drunk as a calming tea. Claims that soursop cures cancer are unproven.

    Herbal knowledge of the Caribbean+1
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 554

    Black nightshade

    Solanum nigrum

    Traditionally attributed effects: cleansing, calming, induces sweating and urination, expectorant; for oedema, chronically enlarged liver, jaundice, chronic skin diseases, coughing up blood, haemorrhoids, kidney and bladder inflammation, gonorrhoea, eye diseases; pain-relieving wash.

    Greco-Roman medicine+2
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 971

    Black twinberry

    Lonicera involucrata

    A honeysuckle with yellow flowers in pairs, which later form two shiny black berries in red bracts. Effects not studied.

    Kwakwaka'wakw medicine
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 576

    Black walnut

    Juglans nigra

    Traditionally attributed effects: cleansing, laxative, astringent, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antifungal; cleanses and strengthens the large intestine, for skin problems, traveller's diarrhoea, sinusitis, underactive thyroid.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+3
Image of Salvia divinorum

Featured · Central America and the Caribbean · Curanderismo

Salvia divinorum

Salvia divinorum

A sage with large leaves containing salvinorin A, a very potent substance acting on the kappa opioid receptor. Brings short-lived, often intense changes in perception and the feeling of leaving the body.

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