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
CautionEurope · Herb · № 577
Frangula alnus
Traditionally attributed effects: cleansing, laxative, antiparasitic, bitter; mild laxative without cramps, stops bleeding and helps with warts, mouthwash for gum problems, hair rinse for scalp irritation.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 279
Ballota nigra
Traditionally attributed effects: against vomiting, stimulating, antispasmodic.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 298
Chelidonium majus
Traditionally attributed effects: diuretic, cleansing, stimulates the liver, anti-inflammatory.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 236
Calluna vulgaris
The flowering herb was drunk as tea for bladder complaints and sleeplessness. Heather honey is a prized, jelly-like honey. A medicinal effect has not been studied.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 195
Taxus baccata
Traditionally attributed effects: carminative, expectorant, stomachic, tonic; leaf and fruit promote menstruation, calming, antispasmodic; for asthma, hiccups, indigestion, coughing up blood, epilepsy, stones, nervousness.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 210
Tulipa spp.
An ornamental flower. The petals are edible; the bulbs were eaten in times of need but can cause eczema on contact ('tulip fingers'). In Persian poetry the red tulip stands for love and martyrdom.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 334
Teucrium scorodonia
Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, induces sweating, antirheumatic, carminative, wound-healing, promotes bile.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 230
Potentilla reptans
The tannin-rich herb was used as a mouthwash and for diarrhoea. A medicinal effect has not been studied.
CautionEurope · Food · № 21
Sambucus nigra
Berries have a folk-use history for cold and flu symptoms; clinical evidence remains preliminary.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 466
Clitoria ternatea
Traditionally attributed effects: root mildly laxative, diuretic, expels worms; seeds strongly laxative; for ascites, enlarged abdominal organs, migraine (flower juice), gonorrhoea, bladder irritation, ulcers, swollen joints.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 837
Atropa belladonna
A deadly poisonous plant. Its compound atropine is used in controlled form in modern medicine.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 108
Berberis vulgaris
Bark and root contain berberine, which is being studied for blood sugar and cholesterol. The berries are rich in vitamin C. Evidence for barberry itself is limited.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 363
Nigella sativa
Traditionally attributed effects: aromatic, diuretic and sudorific, promotes bile, stomachic, stimulating, carminative, expels worms, promotes menstruation and milk flow, antibacterial.
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.