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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

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  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 45

    Sage

    Salvia officinalis

    A culinary herb. A few small studies suggest possible effects on memory and blood lipids, but evidence is limited.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+4Folklore
  • Caution

    Africa · Food · № 356

    Sesame

    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.

    Ancient Egyptian medicine+3Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 390

    Soy

    Glycine max

    Traditionally attributed effects: base for a gentle cleanser.

    Chinese medical traditions+1
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 750

    Fo-ti (he shou wu)

    Reynoutria multiflora (syn. Polygonum multiflorum)

    Traditionally attributed effects: processed a tonic for blood, liver and kidneys; raw mildly laxative and detoxifying.

    Chinese medical traditions
  • Caution

    Europe · Food · № 21

    Elderberry

    Sambucus nigra

    Berries have a folk-use history for cold and flu symptoms; clinical evidence remains preliminary.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+4Folklore
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 973

    Salmonberry

    Rubus spectabilis

    A bramble with pink flowers and yellow-orange to red berries. Leaves and bark contain tannins and are astringent.

    Kwakwaka'wakw medicine
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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