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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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378 results

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  • 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

    North America · Herb · № 368

    Red root

    Ceanothus americanus

    Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, antispasmodic, expectorant, calming; for a swollen spleen (e.g. after glandular fever), cools and constricts blood vessels in bleeding and congestion of the uterus, liver and lymph.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+3
  • 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

    South America · Herb · № 900

    Sabadilla

    Schoenocaulon officinale

    A lily-like plant with highly poisonous seeds containing alkaloids such as veratridine and cevadine. Pharmacists around the world made louse treatments and insecticides from them.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 345

    Saffron

    Crocus sativus

    Traditionally attributed effects: stimulating, aphrodisiac, stomachic, pain-relieving, antispasmodic, calming, promotes menstruation; for absent menstruation, fever, hysteria, melancholy, leucorrhoea, haemorrhoids; paste for bruises, nerve and rheumatic pain.

    Ayurveda+4
  • 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

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 369

    Sarsaparilla

    Smilax spp. (o.a. Smilax ornata)

    The root contains saponins and was long sold as a 'blood-purifying' remedy and for skin conditions. There is no evidence that sarsaparilla treats herpes, syphilis or other infections.

    Curanderismo+2
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 633

    Sassafras

    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.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+4
  • 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 · № 657

    Schizonepeta (jing jie)

    Schizonepeta tenuifolia

    Traditionally attributed effects: opens the surface in colds (warm or cool, depending on the combination), helps rashes come out and, charred, stops bleeding.

    Chinese medical traditions+1
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 976

    Scouler's St John's wort

    Hypericum scouleri (syn. H. formosum var. scouleri)

    A native St John's wort with yellow, black-dotted flowers, related to common St John's wort. Like it, it contains hypericin and hyperforin.

    Hupa medicine
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 470

    Sebesten plum

    Cordia myxa

    Traditionally attributed effects: fruit soothing, expectorant, diuretic, mildly laxative; bark mildly astringent and tonic; for cough and chest diseases, bile complaints, abdominal cramps, indigestion, fever, ulcers, 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

    Africa · Herb · № 117

    Senna

    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.

    Ancient Egyptian medicine+5
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 494

    Shankhpushpi

    Evolvulus alsinoides

    Traditionally attributed effects: bitter tonic, cleansing, fever-reducing, expels worms, anti-inflammatory; for fever, nervous weakness, memory loss, dysentery, diarrhoea and indigestion (with tulsi), chronic bronchitis and asthma.

    Ayurveda
  • 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 · Mushroom · № 145

    Shiitake

    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'.

    Chinese medical traditions+3
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 220

    Orange

    Citrus sinensis

    Traditionally attributed effects: against dandruff; sweet oranges good for skin and hair.

    Ayurveda+2Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 43

    St. John's wort

    Hypericum perforatum

    Research suggests it may help mild to moderate depression; evidence for other uses is insufficient.

    Greco-Roman medicine+3Folklore
  • 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

    North America · Herb · № 286

    California poppy

    Eschscholzia californica

    Traditionally attributed effects: pain-relieving, sleep-inducing, calming.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+1
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 849

    Bitter melon

    Momordica charantia

    A bitter climbing plant whose fruit, leaves and vines are used. In folk medicine mainly taken to lower blood sugar; research shows a small effect at most.

    Herbal knowledge of the Caribbean
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 538

    Bhumyamalaki

    Phyllanthus fraternus

    Traditionally attributed effects: diuretic, astringent, cooling, laxative, bitter tonic; for oedema, gonorrhoea, urogenital diseases, jaundice, constipation, stomach ache, indigestion, dysentery, mild intermittent fever, heavy menstruation.

    Ayurveda
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 724

    Stemona root (bai bu)

    Stemona sessilifolia (en S. japonica)

    Traditionally attributed effects: moistens the lungs in acute and chronic cough; externally against lice and fleas.

    Chinese medical traditions
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 456

    Sickle senna

    Cassia tora

    Traditionally attributed effects: mildly laxative, cleansing; intestinal complaints and fever when teething, compress for gout, sciatica and joint pain; seeds for ringworm, scabies and eczema; root for snake bites.

    Ayurveda+1
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 298

    Greater celandine

    Chelidonium majus

    Traditionally attributed effects: diuretic, cleansing, stimulates the liver, anti-inflammatory.

    Greco-Roman medicine+1
  • 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

    Europe · Herb · № 236

    Heather

    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.

    Folk magic and herbal magicFolklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 512

    Talmakhana

    Hygrophila auriculata

    Traditionally attributed effects: root cooling, bitter tonic, diuretic, soothing; seeds diuretic and aphrodisiac; for oedema, kidney stones and urogenital complaints, jaundice, impotence and weakness, asthma.

    Ayurveda
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 549

    Toothbrush tree

    Salvadora persica

    Traditionally attributed effects: carminative, diuretic, decongestant; leaves for rheumatism, scurvy, painful tumours, haemorrhoids, asthma and cough; flower oil for flatulence, mucus, worms, leprosy, gonorrhoea, headache and rheumatic pain.

    Local African healing traditions+2
  • Caution

    South America · Food · № 1011

    Tarwi

    Lupinus mutabilis

    A lupin with white to purple flowers and protein-rich, oily beans. The raw beans are bitter from lupin alkaloids, which are removed by days of soaking and rinsing.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
  • 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.

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