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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

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155 results

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Chinese formulas
Ma zi ren wanXiao cheng qi tangTiao wei cheng qi tangDa huang mu dan pi tangWen pi tang
  • 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 · Food · № 80

    Walnut

    Juglans regia

    The nuts are a nutritious source of unsaturated fats. Leaf and green husk are astringent and were traditionally used for skin conditions and diarrhoea; clinical evidence is lacking.

    Western herbal medicine+2Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 106

    Bogbean

    Menyanthes trifoliata

    A strong bitter traditionally used to stimulate appetite and digestion and for rheumatic complaints. Clinical evidence is lacking.

    Western herbal medicine+1
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 86

    Greater plantain

    Plantago major

    The leaf is traditionally bruised and applied to insect bites, small wounds and grazes, and taken as tea for coughs. Clinical evidence is limited.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+9Folklore
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 968

    Western dock

    Rumex occidentalis (syn. R. aquaticus var. fenestratus)

    A large dock with broad leaves and a yellow root. The root contains tannins and anthraquinones, which are mildly laxative.

    Kwakwaka'wakw medicine
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 957

    Wild four-o'clock

    Mirabilis nyctaginea (syn. Allionia nyctaginea)

    Related to the marvel of Peru (Mirabilis jalapa), with a thick taproot and small pink flowers that open in the afternoon. Taken internally the root is strongly laxative.

    Lakota medicine
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 128

    White mulberry

    Morus alba en M. nigra

    The leaf (sang ye) is being studied for post-meal blood sugar and is used in Chinese medicine for coughs and fevers; bark, twigs and berries each have their own use too. Evidence is preliminary.

    Chinese medical traditions+2
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 150

    Black cohosh

    Actaea racemosa

    Mainly sold for menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes. NCCIH reports that study results are mixed and there is not enough evidence that it helps.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+4
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 18

    Licorice root

    Glycyrrhiza glabra

    A root with long use in several traditions; high-quality evidence does not support most health claims.

    Ayurveda+9Folklore
  • Caution

    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.

    Ayurveda+5Folklore
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.

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