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

Also found

Recipes: Poached egg with mushrooms in clear broth Curry rice with Chinese cinnamon Chicken soup with tian qi Chicken stewed with Job's tears Longan chicken soup with three seeds Steamed egg with shiitake and fox nut Sweetcorn soup with astragalus Steamed black chicken with jujubes and longan Pigeon egg soup with white fungus Steamed pears with bei mu Kinkeliba tea
Chinese formulas: Zuo gui wan Ling yang gou teng tang Zhi bai di huang wan Ji chuan jian Qing e wan Er xian tang Qing wei san Jiao tai wan Dang gui shao yao san Shu jin san Ba zheng san Du huo ji sheng tang Ma xing shi gan tang You gui wan Liang ge san Shen ling bai zhu san Shi quan da bu tang Tian wang bu xin dan Xiao luo wan Fang feng tong sheng san Bai he gu jin tang Yi guan jian Qi ju di huang wan Ci zhu wan+14
Treatment by condition: Haemorrhoids Liver cirrhosis Diabetes mellitus Underactive thyroid Lupus (SLE)Thrombocytopenic purpura Flu and pneumonia Tuberculosis Kidney stones Menopause Impotence Prostate complaints Epilepsy Eczema, dermatitis, itching, acne, erysipelas and psoriasis Toothache Cataract

Caution
Asia · Food · № 249
Peach
Prunus persica
A juicy summer fruit. In Chinese medicine the kernels (tao ren) are used to move the blood; raw they are poisonous because of amygdalin.
Chinese medical traditions+2Folklore
Caution
Europe · Herb · № 219
Parsley
Petroselinum crispum
A culinary herb rich in vitamins C and K. Root and seed were used as a diuretic. Large amounts of seed or oil are toxic and can induce contractions.
Greco-Roman medicine+1Folklore
Caution
Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 212
Allspice
Pimenta dioica
The dried berries contain eugenol, like cloves, and give a warm flavour. In Caribbean folk medicine they are used for stomach ache and wind; research is lacking.
Maya healing knowledge+3Folklore
Caution
North America · Herb · № 946
Pipsissewa
Chimaphila umbellata
A low, evergreen dwarf shrub with leathery leaves and pink nodding flowers. Contains arbutin and related compounds, like bearberry.
Haudenosaunee medicine
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 · Herb · № 441
Spreading hogweed
Boerhaavia diffusa
Traditionally attributed effects: bitter, stomachic, laxative, diuretic, expectorant, induces sweating, anti-inflammatory; for asthma, jaundice, oedema, anaemia, internal inflammation, snake bites.
Ayurveda
Caution
Asia · Herb · № 410
Rasamala
Altingia excelsa
Traditionally attributed effects: stimulating, expectorant, pain-relieving, carminative, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic; for throat complaints, scabies, leucoderma, colic in children, inflamed testicle.
Ayurveda+1
Caution
Asia · Herb · № 568
Rasna orchid
Vanda roxburghii
Traditionally attributed effects: pain-relieving, carminative, expectorant, strengthens the nerves, lowers blood pressure; oil for rheumatism and nervous diseases; for syphilis, scorpion stings, fever, middle ear infection, indigestion, bronchitis, inflammation, hiccups and trembling.
Ayurveda
Caution
South America · Herb · № 915
Rhatany (ratania)
Krameria lappacea (syn. Krameria triandra)
A low shrub that is partly parasitic on the roots of other plants. The red root is rich in tannins and is therefore astringent. In Europe rhatany root is listed in the pharmacopoeia and used in mouthwashes and gum remedies.
Kallawaya healing knowledge+1
Caution
South America · Herb · № 888
Giant horsetail
Equisetum giganteum
A large horsetail, rich in silica. Traditionally used as a diuretic, like European field horsetail; good evidence is lacking.
Kallawaya healing knowledge+1
Caution
Asia · Herb · № 696
Rhaponticum root (lou lu)
Rhaponticum uniflorum
Traditionally attributed effects: reduces hot swellings, especially in the breast, and promotes milk flow.
Chinese medical traditions
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
Asia · Herb · № 346
Red sandalwood
Pterocarpus santalinus
Traditionally attributed effects: antipyretic, fever-reducing, aphrodisiac, astringent, bitter, cooling, induces sweating, expels worms; for chronic dysentery, bleeding haemorrhoids, bile complaints, skin diseases.
Ayurveda+1
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
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
Asia · Herb · № 321
Safflower
Carthamus tinctorius
Traditionally attributed effects: laxative, diuretic, anti-inflammatory.
Ayurveda+3
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 · № 595
Sheep sorrel
Rumex acetosella
Traditionally attributed effects: induces sweating, diuretic, fever-reducing, stops bleeding; traditionally for cancer (ingredient of Essiac tea), relieves 'hot' conditions (fever, thirst, inflammation), boils, transient jaundice.
Western herbal medicine+1
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
Asia · Herb · № 507
East Indian screw tree
Helicteres isora
Traditionally attributed effects: expectorant, soothing, mildly astringent, stomachic; for colic, flatulence, diarrhoea, chronic dysentery, diabetes, ear infection, snake bites.
Ayurveda+1
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
North America · Herb · № 964
Seneca snakeroot
Polygala senega (syn. Senega officinalis)
A low milkwort with white flower spikes. The root contains saponins that loosen phlegm and promote coughing; it is in the European Pharmacopoeia as a cough remedy.
Anishinaabe medicine+1
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
Asia · Food · № 220
Orange
Citrus sinensis
Traditionally attributed effects: against dandruff; sweet oranges good for skin and hair.
Ayurveda+2Folklore
Caution
Asia · Herb · № 406
Siris
Albizzia lebbek
Traditionally attributed effects: cleansing, insect-repellent, anti-allergic; for bronchitis, leprosy, paralysis, gum inflammation, worms, snake bites and scorpion stings, night blindness.
Ayurveda
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
North America · Herb · № 168
Northern prickly ash
Zanthoxylum americanum
Bark and berries give a tingling, numbing feeling in the mouth; they were traditionally used for toothache, poor circulation and rheumatism. Clinical research is lacking.
Indigenous healing traditions of North America+4
Caution
Asia · Herb · № 534
Skunkvine
Paederia foetida
Traditionally attributed effects: diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic; for urinary retention, bladder stones, haemorrhoids, inflamed spleen, diarrhoea in children, rheumatism and stiff joints, abdomen bloated by gas.
Ayurveda+1
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

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.

From plant to use

Ways to prepare herbs

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Traditions, kitchen and classical formulas

43 traditions

Cultures & traditions

How communities built up and passed on their knowledge of plants, region by region.

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113 recipes

Recipes

Soups, teas and dishes in which herbs play a leading role.

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146 formulas

Chinese formulas

The classical Chinese formulas, also listed by condition.

Treatment by condition →All formulas →