Herbal knowledge and the cultures that passed it on

Asia · Herb · № 376

Alfalfa

Medicago sativa

Traditionally attributed effects: calming and moisture-restoring for dry skin.

Africa · Herb · № 4

Aloe vera

Aloe vera

The gel from the leaf is used externally to soothe the skin and for minor burns. Research on wound healing gives mixed results; the gel is no substitute for wound care.

Africa · Herb · № 375

Atlas cedar

Cedrus atlantica

Cedarwood oil is used in hair products against dandruff and as a fragrance. A small study of an oil blend for hair loss (alopecia areata) found improvement, but the effect of the cedar itself has not been established.

North America · Mineral · № 364

Colloidal silver

Silver particles in water. There is no evidence that colloidal silver treats infections, HIV or other diseases; it can, however, cause argyria, a permanent blue-grey discoloration of the skin and organs.

Asia · Food · № 38

Cinnamon

Cinnamomum verum

A spice made from inner bark. Research on health effects is preliminary; cinnamon is not a treatment.

Africa · Herb · № 116

Khella

Ammi visnaga

Contains khellin, a muscle relaxant that widens the airways and blood vessels. Khellin was the basis for modern drugs such as cromoglicate (for asthma) and amiodarone (for heart rhythm disorders).

Africa · Herb · № 464

Colocynth

Citrullus colocynthis

Traditionally attributed effects: drastically laxative and diuretic; in large doses emetic and highly irritant; for ascites, jaundice, urinary diseases, rheumatism, bile complaints, intestinal parasites, constipation, oedema; seed oil for snake and scorpion bites.

Asia · Other · № 771

Oriental sweetgum (su he xiang)

Liquidambar orientalis

Traditionally attributed effects: the resin opens the sense orifices and relieves pain with a tight chest.

Europe · Food · № 244

Pear

Pyrus communis

A fibre-rich fruit with sorbitol, which is mildly laxative. In Chinese medicine pear (li) is cooked with rock sugar for a dry cough; no effect is described for other uses.

Asia · Herb · № 135

Black pepper and long pepper

Piper nigrum

Important warming spices in Ayurveda, used for sluggish digestion and colds. Piperine from pepper increases the absorption of some substances, such as curcumin.