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

Chinese formulas: Huo xiang zheng qi san Chai hu gui zhi tang Bao he wan Long gu mu li tang Si jun zi tang Shen ling bai zhu san Li zhong wan Ping wei san Wei ling tang Ge xia zhu yu tang Yue ju wan
Treatment by condition: Indigestion Hepatitis Lupus (SLE)Eczema, dermatitis, itching, acne, erysipelas and psoriasis

Caution
Asia · Herb · № 122
Shatavari
Asparagus racemosus
In Ayurveda an important rejuvenating remedy for women, used for breastfeeding and stomach complaints. Studies are small and of variable quality.
Ayurveda+1
Caution
Asia · Herb · № 749
Siberian Solomon's seal (huang jing)
Polygonatum sibiricum
Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens spleen and kidneys, moistens the lungs and replenishes the essence.
Chinese medical traditions+1
Caution
North America · Herb · № 998
Sourwood
Oxydendrum arboreum
A tree of the heath family with drooping sprays of white, bell-shaped flowers in summer and fiery red autumn leaves. The leaves taste sour, hence the name. From the flowers bees make a light, much-prized honey.
Cherokee medicine
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
Europe · Herb · № 838
Wild thyme
Thymus serpyllum
An aromatic herb traditionally used for coughs and digestive complaints.
Hildegard of Bingen
Caution
North America · Herb · № 159
Wild yam
Dioscorea villosa
Traditionally used for abdominal and uterine cramps. Wild yam cream is sold as 'natural progesterone', but the body cannot convert diosgenin into hormones; only a laboratory can.
Curanderismo+2
Caution
North America · Herb · № 634
Wintergreen
Gaultheria procumbens
Traditionally attributed effects: expels wind and dampness and cools heat in hot, swollen joints and muscle pain, drains damp heat in the urinary tract and moves stagnant qi and blood in pain.
Haudenosaunee medicine+3
Caution
Asia · Herb · № 539
White leadwort
Plumbago zeylanica
Traditionally attributed effects: cleansing, stimulates the stomach, stimulates appetite; externally skin-irritant for rheumatism, paralysis, enlarged glands, leucoderma and skin diseases; tincture antipyretic.
Ayurveda

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.

From plant to use

Ways to prepare herbs

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Discover more

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 →