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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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51 results

  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 5

    Turmeric

    Curcuma longa

    A traditional culinary spice containing curcumin; laboratory findings do not establish a cure for disease.

    Ayurveda+5Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 213

    Bay laurel

    Laurus nobilis

    Bay leaf is a culinary herb containing cineole and eugenol. The oil of the berries was used externally for muscle pain; a medicinal effect has hardly been studied.

    Greco-Roman medicine+1Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 520

    Mahua

    Madhuca longifolia

    Traditionally attributed effects: flowers cooling, soothing, expectorant, tonic, nourishing; bark astringent and tonic; for diabetes and rheumatism, bleeding gums, tonsil and throat inflammation, itching, bronchitis, cough, haemorrhoids.

    Ayurveda
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Food · № 266

    Maize

    Zea mays

    Traditionally attributed effects: diuretic, heals the urinary tract lining, tonic, soothing.

    Maya healing knowledge+7Folklore
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 851

    Maqui

    Aristotelia chilensis

    A shrub with dark purple berries rich in anthocyanins. The leaf was traditionally used for wounds and sore throats. Health claims for 'superfood' products are unproven.

    Mapuche medicine
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 449

    Crown flower

    Calotropis gigantea

    Traditionally attributed effects: root bark cleansing, tonic, antispasmodic, expectorant, emetic; for dysentery, bronchitis, leprosy, enlarged liver and spleen, oedema, worms; acts on the heart like digitalis.

    Ayurveda+1
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 1012

    Roq'e

    Colletia spinosissima

    A thorny shrub with green thorns set crosswise and hardly any leaves. It lives together with nitrogen-fixing Frankia bacteria. The bark contains saponins; little has been studied about its effect in people.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 140

    Sandalwood

    Santalum album

    Used in Ayurveda as a 'cooling' remedy for skin irritation and urinary complaints; the oil is used in aromatherapy. Clinical evidence is limited.

    Ayurveda+6Folklore
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 923

    Sinicuichi

    Heimia salicifolia

    A shrub of the loosestrife family with narrow leaves and yellow flowers. Contains vertine (cryogenine), lyfoline and lythrine. Said to cause slight dizziness, a yellow tint over what one sees and the feeling that sounds come from far away.

    Curanderismo
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 258

    Lettuce

    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.

    Ancient Egyptian medicine+1Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 497

    Cluster fig

    Ficus racemosa

    Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, carminative, stomachic, kills worms, lowers blood sugar; wound rinse, for dysentery, bile complaints, haemorrhoids, diarrhoea, mouth ulcers, heavy menstruation, coughing up blood, sore throat, diabetes.

    Ayurveda
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 824

    Sweetgrass

    Hierochloe odorata

    A sweet-scented grass that is burned in ceremonies.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+2
  • 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

    Africa · Herb · № 373

    Frankincense

    Boswellia sacra

    The resin is mainly used as incense and fragrance. Extracts of related Boswellia species have been studied for osteoarthritis, with modest and variable results.

    Ancient Egyptian medicine+4Folklore
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 823

    White sage

    Salvia apiana

    An aromatic sage burned in ceremonies by Indigenous peoples of California.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America
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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