Herbal knowledge and the cultures that passed it on

Asia · Herb · № 479

Dodder

Cuscuta reflexa

Traditionally attributed effects: carminative, expels worms, cleansing, antispasmodic; for stomach ache, constipation, flatulence, liver complaints, bile complaints; externally for itching and skin diseases.

North America · Herb · № 587

Western larch

Larix occidentalis

Traditionally attributed effects: stimulating, prebiotic; improves digestion and gut flora, strengthens the immune system, studied in tumours, helps with middle ear infections in children.

Europe · Herb · № 242

Rue

Ruta graveolens

Traditionally attributed effects: antiseptic, stimulating, promotes menstruation, expectorant, antispasmodic, expels worms (children); strengthens capillaries (rutin); for hysteria, flatulence and colic, incipient paralysis, indigestion; oil diuretic and skin-irritant.

Africa · Herb · № 921

Wild dagga

Leonotis leonurus

A shrub of the mint family, two to three metres tall, with orange, tubular flowers in whorls around the square stems. Contains marrubiin and leonurine, as well as labdane compounds. Considered mildly calming; which substance causes the effect is not yet clear.

Europe · Herb · № 194

European honeysuckle

Lonicera caprifolium, L. periclymenum

The sweet-scented flowers were used as tea or syrup for coughs. The berries are poisonous. In Chinese medicine the related Japanese honeysuckle (jin yin hua) is used for fever and sore throat.

Europe · Herb · № 838

Wild thyme

Thymus serpyllum

An aromatic herb traditionally used for coughs and digestive complaints.

Africa · Herb · № 429

Desert date

Balanites aegyptiaca

Traditionally attributed effects: laxative, expels worms; seeds for cough and colic, oil on burns and freckles, seed extract lowers blood pressure.

Africa · Herb · № 547

Castor oil plant

Ricinus communis

Traditionally attributed effects: oil mildly laxative; leaf juice emetic in poisoning, leaf decoction laxative, promotes milk and menstruation; compress on boils and swellings, for flatulence in children; root decoction for lumbago, rheumatism and sciatica.

South America · Food · № 15

Yerba mate

Ilex paraguariensis

The leaves contain caffeine, theobromine and polyphenols; the drink is stimulating and dispels tiredness, like coffee or tea. It is a beverage and social drink, not a medicine.

South America · Herb · № 907

Yopo

Anadenanthera peregrina

A tree of the pea family with flat pods. The seeds contain a lot of bufotenine and also DMT and 5-MeO-DMT. As snuff they cause almost immediate muscle twitching, nausea and short visions in which things often seem very large.

Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 922

Zacatechichi

Calea ternifolia (syn. Calea zacatechichi)

A shrub of the daisy family with very bitter leaves. Contains caleicine and other sesquiterpene lactones, among others. Said to make sleep light and dreams clear and vivid; in a small study an extract caused a slight change of perception, drowsiness and a short sleep with vivid dreams.

Asia · Herb · № 478

Zedoary

Curcuma zedoaria

Traditionally attributed effects: stimulating, carminative, expectorant, soothing, diuretic, skin-irritant, purifies the blood.

North America · Mineral · № 365

Zinc

An essential mineral. Zinc lozenges may make a cold slightly shorter if taken at the very first symptoms; for herpes, ADHD or other conditions the evidence is weak or absent.

Asia · Herb · № 411

Black cardamom

Amomum subulatum

Traditionally attributed effects: stomachic, carminative, stimulates the heart, expectorant; for digestive complaints, liver congestion, tooth and gum complaints, kidney stones (with melon seed), inflamed eyelids; flavouring.

Asia · Herb · № 363

Black seed

Nigella sativa

Traditionally attributed effects: aromatic, diuretic and sudorific, promotes bile, stomachic, stimulating, carminative, expels worms, promotes menstruation and milk flow, antibacterial.

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.

North America · Herb · № 575

Black haw

Viburnum prunifolium

Traditionally attributed effect: antispasmodic and relaxing, especially for menstrual and uterine cramps. Clinical research is lacking; that it can prevent miscarriage has not been shown.