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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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42 results

  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 446

    Flame of the forest

    Butea monosperma

    Traditionally attributed effects: leaves astringent, diuretic, tonic, aphrodisiac; seeds expel worms and laxative; flowers tonic; for diarrhoea, heartburn, diabetes (lowers blood sugar), flatulence, haemorrhoids, worms, leucorrhoea, inflamed throat.

    Ayurveda
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 435

    Ash gourd

    Benincasa hispida

    Traditionally attributed effects: nourishing, tonic, laxative, diuretic; seeds expel worms; juice for coughing up blood and internal bleeding, for insanity, epilepsy and nervous diseases.

    Ayurveda+1
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 190

    Arborvitae

    Thuja occidentalis

    Traditionally attributed effects: expels worms, astringent, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, stimulates muscles, antiseptic.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+4Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 459

    Wild black cumin

    Centratherum anthelminticum

    Traditionally attributed effects: expels worms (threadworms), tonic, stomachic, diuretic; for skin diseases and scorpion stings.

    Ayurveda
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 424

    Wormseed

    Artemisia maritima

    Traditionally attributed effects: antipyretic, mildly laxative, stomachic, tonic, expels worms, stimulates the heart; against worms, compress for inflammation, tumours and foul ulcers.

    Ayurveda
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 896

    Altamisa

    Ambrosia peruviana

    An aromatic, hairy ragweed. In its native range it is used as a painkilling, anti-inflammatory, deworming and antiseptic remedy; good research is lacking.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+1
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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