From Ayurveda to Rongoā Māori
Communities around the world learned how plants nourish, care and heal. Here their traditions stand beside present-day use, with respect for every culture.
GrapeFolk magic and herbal magic
BuchuLocal African healing traditions
Indian tobaccoCherokee medicine
Lignum vitaeHerbal knowledge of the Caribbean
Yerba mateKallawaya healing knowledge
CautionEurope · Herb · № 2
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.
CautionAfrica · Herb · № 201
Pelargonium graveolens
Traditionally attributed effects: antidepressant, pain-relieving, diuretic, calming, tonic.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 321
Carthamus tinctorius
Traditionally attributed effects: laxative, diuretic, anti-inflammatory.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 45
Salvia officinalis
A culinary herb. A few small studies suggest possible effects on memory and blood lipids, but evidence is limited.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 594
Polygonatum biflorum
Traditionally attributed effects: tonic, astringent, relaxing; strengthens and lubricates tendons, ligaments and joints, helps with prolapse of the uterus and bladder, calms the heart rhythm, moistens dry conditions (dry skin, stool, airways).
CautionAsia · Herb · № 140
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.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 633
Sassafras albidum
Traditionally attributed effects: expels wind, dampness and cold in joint complaints, also when heat is involved, moves the blood in stasis after trauma or in absent menstruation, and is used for itchy skin.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 595
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.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 91
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.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 592
Schisandra chinensis
Traditionally attributed effects: tonic, astringent, stimulating, adaptogen; supports exhausted adrenals (fatigue), promotes sleep and well-being, protects the liver.
CautionEurope · Food · № 61
Apium graveolens
Vegetable and spice. The seed was traditionally used for gout, joint complaints and as a diuretic. Convincing clinical evidence is lacking.
CautionAfrica · Herb · № 117
Senna alexandrina
Leaves and pods contain sennosides, a stimulant laxative that works for short-term constipation. It is used in modern over-the-counter laxatives.
CautionAsia · Mushroom · № 145
Lentinula edodes
An edible mushroom. Lentinan from shiitake is researched and used in oncology in Japan; there is little evidence for ordinary shiitake as an 'immune booster'.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 43
Hypericum perforatum
Research suggests it may help mild to moderate depression; evidence for other uses is insufficient.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 286
Eschscholzia californica
Traditionally attributed effects: pain-relieving, sleep-inducing, calming.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 313
Ophiopogon japonicus
Traditionally attributed effects: promotes the secretion of body fluids, tonic, calming, cough-suppressing, lowers blood sugar, antibacterial.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 95
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.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 295
Chionanthus virginicus
Traditionally attributed effects: promotes bile, stimulates the liver, tonic, diuretic.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 318
Ficaria verna (syn. Ranunculus ficaria)
Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, used for haemorrhoids.
CautionEurope · Food · № 833
Triticum spelta
A grain for bread and porridge; nutritionally similar to wheat.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 577
Frangula alnus
Traditionally attributed effects: cleansing, laxative, antiparasitic, bitter; mild laxative without cramps, stops bleeding and helps with warts, mouthwash for gum problems, hair rinse for scalp irritation.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 168
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.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 279
Ballota nigra
Traditionally attributed effects: against vomiting, stimulating, antispasmodic.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 298
Chelidonium majus
Traditionally attributed effects: diuretic, cleansing, stimulates the liver, anti-inflammatory.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 236
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.
CautionSouth America · Herb · № 164
Hebanthe eriantha (syn. Pfaffia paniculata)
Sold as 'Brazilian ginseng' and an adaptogen for fatigue. There is hardly any human research.
CautionOceania · Other · № 22
Melaleuca alternifolia
An essential oil for external use. Limited research suggests possible effects for acne or athlete’s foot; evidence is preliminary.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 171
Oenothera biennis
The seed oil contains gamma-linolenic acid and is sold for eczema, premenstrual symptoms and hot flushes. NCCIH reports it does not help eczema and that evidence for other conditions is insufficient.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 98
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.
CautionCentral America and the Caribbean · Food · № 157
Solanum lycopersicum
A fruit-vegetable with vitamin C and lycopene. Research on lycopene and heart or prostate health is mostly observational and not conclusive.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 328
Potentilla erecta
Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, especially for the intestinal wall.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 152
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.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 20
Valeriana officinalis
The root has a traditional association with sleep and calm. Research on insomnia is inconsistent and does not establish benefit.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 114
Arnica montana
Used externally for bruises and muscle aches. Studies give mixed results. Homeopathic arnica is so diluted that it contains no active substance.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 294
Chamaelirium luteum
Traditionally attributed effects: diuretic, uterine tonic, emetic.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 334
Teucrium scorodonia
Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, induces sweating, antirheumatic, carminative, wound-healing, promotes bile.
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.
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43 traditions
How communities built up and passed on their knowledge of plants, region by region.
113 recipes
Soups, teas and dishes in which herbs play a leading role.
146 formulas
The classical Chinese formulas, also listed by condition.