From Ayurveda to Rongoā Māori
Communities around the world learned how plants nourish, care and heal. Here their traditions stand beside present-day use, with respect for every culture.
GrapeFolk magic and herbal magic
BuchuLocal African healing traditions
Indian tobaccoCherokee medicine
Lignum vitaeHerbal knowledge of the Caribbean
Yerba mateKallawaya healing knowledge
CautionAfrica · Food · № 356
Sesamum indicum
Traditionally attributed effects: soothing, softens the skin, diuretic, promotes menstruation and milk flow, laxative; leaves for respiratory complaints, diarrhoea and dysentery in children, bladder catarrh; seeds for bleeding haemorrhoids, absent or painful menstruation.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 43
Hypericum perforatum
Research suggests it may help mild to moderate depression; evidence for other uses is insufficient.
CautionAsia · Food · № 258
Lactuca sativa
A juicy leaf vegetable with some vitamin K and folate. The milky sap of the stem is mildly calming, but much weaker than that of wild lettuce.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 180
Papaver somniferum
The latex of the unripe seed capsule (opium) contains morphine, codeine and other alkaloids. Morphine and related opioids are indispensable painkillers in modern medicine, but highly addictive. The seeds (poppy seeds) are an ordinary food.
CautionOceania · Other · № 22
Melaleuca alternifolia
An essential oil for external use. Limited research suggests possible effects for acne or athlete’s foot; evidence is preliminary.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 94
Stellaria media
Traditionally used externally as a cooling ointment or compress for itching, eczema and minor skin irritation. There is hardly any clinical research.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 86
Plantago major
The leaf is traditionally bruised and applied to insect bites, small wounds and grazes, and taken as tea for coughs. Clinical evidence is limited.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 969
Tsuga heterophylla
A large conifer with a drooping top and short, flat needles. The bark is very rich in tannins; the young needles contain vitamin C.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 977
Lomatium californicum (syn. Leptotaenia californica)
An umbellifer with large, blue-green, celery-like leaves and a strongly scented root. Related to oshá; little studied.
CautionAfrica · Herb · № 429
Balanites aegyptiaca
Traditionally attributed effects: laxative, expels worms; seeds for cough and colic, oil on burns and freckles, seed extract lowers blood pressure.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 973
Rubus spectabilis
A bramble with pink flowers and yellow-orange to red berries. Leaves and bark contain tannins and are astringent.
Featured · Central America and the Caribbean · Curanderismo
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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43 traditions
How communities built up and passed on their knowledge of plants, region by region.
113 recipes
Soups, teas and dishes in which herbs play a leading role.
146 formulas
The classical Chinese formulas, also listed by condition.