Skip to content
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

Search by concern or tag

161 results

  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Food · № 263

    Squash

    Cucurbita moschata

    Traditionally attributed effects: heart-warming and nourishing for body, mind and soul; good for skin and hair.

    Maya healing knowledge+6Folklore
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 192

    Aspen

    Populus tremuloides

    Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, fever-reducing, tonic, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving (salicylates); restores the sensitive bladder (incontinence), calms the bowels in stress diarrhoea, heals wounds, lowers fever, relieves headache.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+4Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Food · № 264

    Leek

    Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum

    A vegetable with fibre, vitamin K and sulphur compounds, related to onion and garlic. Leek soup is an old home remedy for colds and hoarseness.

    Anglo-Saxon medicine+1Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Food · № 251

    Plum

    Prunus domestica

    Prunes contain fibre and sorbitol and help with constipation; there is some research on this.

    Folk magic and herbal magicFolklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 267

    Rice

    Oryza sativa

    Traditionally attributed effects: easily digestible, the basis of healing food; good for skin and hair.

    Ayurveda+4Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 99

    Red clover

    Trifolium pratense

    Contains isoflavones (plant oestrogens) and is sold for menopausal symptoms. NCCIH concludes there is no convincing evidence that it reduces hot flushes.

    Western herbal medicine+2Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 89

    Rose and rose hip

    Rosa spp.

    Rose hips are rich in vitamin C; a hip powder has been studied for osteoarthritis with modest results. Rose water and oil are used in skin care and as fragrance.

    Avicenna's Canon in European universities+6Folklore
  • Caution

    Africa · Food · № 25

    Roselle (hibiscus)

    Hibiscus sabdariffa

    The red calyces make a tart drink. Folk medicine links it to blood pressure; it is not a substitute for treatment.

    Ancient Egyptian medicine+2Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 2

    Rosemary

    Salvia rosmarinus (syn. Rosmarinus officinalis)

    An aromatic culinary herb with carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid. A few small studies point to a slight effect of the scent on alertness; that it improves memory has not been shown. The leaf is used for digestive complaints.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+4Folklore
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 201

    Rose geranium

    Pelargonium graveolens

    Traditionally attributed effects: antidepressant, pain-relieving, diuretic, calming, tonic.

    Western herbal medicine+1Folklore
  • 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

    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

    Europe · Herb · № 91

    White willow

    Salix alba

    The bark contains salicin, which the body partly converts to salicylic acid. There are hints of a moderate effect on low back pain and joint pain.

    Greco-Roman medicine+3Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Food · № 61

    Celery

    Apium graveolens

    Vegetable and spice. The seed was traditionally used for gout, joint complaints and as a diuretic. Convincing clinical evidence is lacking.

    Western herbal medicine+3Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 204

    Lilac

    Syringa vulgaris

    An ornamental shrub with fragrant flowers. The flowers are edible but bitter; the bark was once tried as a bitter remedy for fever.

    Folk magic and herbal magicFolklore
  • 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 · № 220

    Orange

    Citrus sinensis

    Traditionally attributed effects: against dandruff; sweet oranges good for skin and hair.

    Ayurveda+2Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 43

    St. John's wort

    Hypericum perforatum

    Research suggests it may help mild to moderate depression; evidence for other uses is insufficient.

    Greco-Roman medicine+3Folklore
  • 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

    Europe · Herb · № 95

    Comfrey

    Symphytum officinale

    Topical preparations have been studied for bruises, sprains and back pain and appear to reduce pain. It contains allantoin, which is thought to support tissue repair.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+3Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 236

    Heather

    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.

    Folk magic and herbal magicFolklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 268

    Wheat

    Triticum aestivum

    Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens, rejuvenates, soothes ulcers, stimulates appetite, promotes healing of fractures, gives stability, healthy complexion; mildly aphrodisiac; anti-stress breakfast.

    Ayurveda+2Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 195

    Yew

    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.

    Ayurveda+2Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 98

    Thyme

    Thymus vulgaris

    Traditionally used for coughs and bronchitis; thymol from the oil inhibits bacteria and fungi in the laboratory. There are some studies of thyme-based cough syrups.

    Greco-Roman medicine+4Folklore
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Food · № 157

    Tomato

    Solanum lycopersicum

    A fruit-vegetable with vitamin C and lycopene. Research on lycopene and heart or prostate health is mostly observational and not conclusive.

    Maya healing knowledge+4Folklore
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 152

    Witch hazel

    Hamamelis virginiana

    Strongly astringent due to tannins. Witch hazel water and ointment are used externally for minor skin irritation, bruises and haemorrhoids; there is limited but reasonably supportive evidence.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+4Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 210

    Tulip

    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.

    Folk magic and herbal magicFolklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 240

    Onion

    Allium cepa

    Traditionally attributed effects: stimulating, diuretic, expectorant, skin-irritant, aphrodisiac, antiseptic; for cough, haemorrhoids, jaundice, indigestion, insect bites, boils, wounds, chilblains and sore joints.

    Ayurveda+4Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 20

    Valerian

    Valeriana officinalis

    The root has a traditional association with sleep and calm. Research on insomnia is inconsistent and does not establish benefit.

    Western herbal medicine+1Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 114

    Arnica

    Arnica montana

    Used externally for bruises and muscle aches. Studies give mixed results. Homeopathic arnica is so diluted that it contains no active substance.

    Western herbal medicine+1Folklore
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 222

    Vanilla

    Vanilla planifolia

    Traditionally attributed effects: gives a feeling of calm and comfort; fragrance.

    Maya healing knowledge+3Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 72

    Fennel

    Foeniculum vulgare

    The seed is traditionally used for wind, bloating and cramps. There are some small studies, but evidence is limited.

    Greco-Roman medicine+9Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 230

    Cinquefoil

    Potentilla reptans

    The tannin-rich herb was used as a mouthwash and for diarrhoea. A medicinal effect has not been studied.

    Folk magic and herbal magicFolklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Food · № 83

    Flax

    Linum usitatissimum

    Ground flaxseed acts as a gentle bulk-forming fibre for constipation. NCCIH reports it may lower cholesterol slightly; evidence for other claims is unclear.

    Western herbal medicine+3Folklore
  • 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

    Europe · Herb · № 94

    Chickweed

    Stellaria media

    Traditionally used externally as a cooling ointment or compress for itching, eczema and minor skin irritation. There is hardly any clinical research.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+3Folklore
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.

Read more

From plant to use

Ways to prepare herbs

All preparations →

Discover more

Traditions, kitchen and classical formulas