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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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218 results

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Chinese formulas
Si ni tangZhi gan cao tangSi ni sanZhu sha an shen wanGui zhi long gu mu li tangBao he wanDao chi sanJiao tai wanSan huang xie xin tangWu zhu yu tangSheng mai sanGui pi tangTian wang bu xin danFang feng tong sheng sanBai he gu jin tangYi guan jianCi zhu wanPing wei sanWei ling tangSang piao xiao sanLing gui zhu gan tangWu ling sanXue fu zhu yu tangLiu jun zi tang+4
Treatment by condition
Liver cirrhosisLow blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)Lupus (SLE)Heart disease (general)High blood pressureStress, anxiety, hysteria and insomniaEpilepsyEczema, dermatitis, itching, acne, erysipelas and psoriasisCataract
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 922

    Zacatechichi

    Calea ternifolia (syn. Calea zacatechichi)

    A shrub of the daisy family with very bitter leaves. Contains caleicine and other sesquiterpene lactones, among others. Said to make sleep light and dreams clear and vivid; in a small study an extract caused a slight change of perception, drowsiness and a short sleep with vivid dreams.

    Curanderismo
  • 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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