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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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65 results

  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Food · № 818

    Annatto (achiote)

    Bixa orellana

    The red seeds are used as a colouring and spice; traditionally also as a remedy.

    Maya healing knowledge+4
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 4

    Aloe vera

    Aloe vera

    The gel from the leaf is used externally to soothe the skin and for minor burns. Research on wound healing gives mixed results; the gel is no substitute for wound care.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+6Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 63

    Wormwood

    Artemisia absinthium

    One of the most bitter herbs; traditionally used to stimulate appetite and digestion and against intestinal worms. Clinical evidence is limited.

    Greco-Roman medicine+5
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 896

    Altamisa

    Ambrosia peruviana

    An aromatic, hairy ragweed. In its native range it is used as a painkilling, anti-inflammatory, deworming and antiseptic remedy; good research is lacking.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+1
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 67

    Borage

    Borago officinalis

    The seed oil, rich in gamma-linolenic acid, has been studied for eczema and joint inflammation with mixed results. The leaf was traditionally used to reduce fever and as a tonic.

    Western herbal medicine+2
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 889

    Bilyea

    Grimolobium pubescens (syn. Otholobium pubescens, Psoralea pubescens)

    A shrub of the pea family with leaves in threes. It contains bakuchiol, among other compounds; extracts lowered blood sugar in experiments with mice. Studies in people are lacking.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 282

    Boldo

    Peumus boldus

    Traditionally attributed effects: stimulates the liver, diuretic.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+2
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 1003

    Calaguala

    Campyloneurum angustifolium (en verwante varens, o.a. Polypodium)

    A narrow-leaved fern that grows on trees and rocks. The rhizome has been traded as a medicine for centuries; good research on its effect in people is lacking.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 891

    Carqueja

    Baccharis genistelloides (en B. trimera)

    A perennial with flat, winged stems and hardly any leaves. One of the best-studied Baccharis species; it contains flavonoids that may be anti-inflammatory. Clinical evidence is lacking.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+1
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 1002

    Chachacomo

    Escallonia resinosa (en verwante soorten, o.a. E. micrantha)

    A shrub or tree of 2 to 10 metres with reddish, papery bark and small, finely toothed leaves full of resin and essential oil. Almost nothing has been studied about its effect in people.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 890

    Chilca

    Baccharis latifolia (en verwante soorten, o.a. B. pentlandii)

    A fast-growing, densely branched shrub with glossy, sticky leaves. Little is known from research about its effect in people.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+1
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 894

    Chinchircuma

    Mutisia acuminata

    A climbing shrub with tendrils and striking orange-red flowers. Quercetin and arbutin are among the compounds found in it; its effect in people has not been studied.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 85

    Lemon balm

    Melissa officinalis

    Traditionally used for restlessness, sleep problems and a nervous stomach; externally for cold sores. Small studies suggest a mild calming effect, but evidence is limited.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+7Folklore
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 183

    Coca

    Erythroxylum coca

    The leaf contains a small amount of cocaine and other alkaloids. Chewing it or drinking it as tea is used in the Andes against hunger, fatigue and altitude sickness; evidence for the latter is limited. Cocaine, the first local anaesthetic and today mainly an addictive drug, was isolated from the leaf.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+2
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 856

    Culén

    Grimolobium glandulosum (syn. Otholobium glandulosum, Psoralea glandulosa)

    A shrub of the pea family with glandular, fragrant leaves. Traditionally used for digestive complaints, diarrhoea and on wounds; good research is lacking.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+1
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 460

    Mexican tea

    Dysphania ambrosioides (syn. Chenopodium ambrosioides)

    A strong-smelling culinary herb traditionally used against intestinal worms and wind. The essential oil contains ascaridole, which kills worms but is also toxic to humans.

    Curanderismo+3
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 1006

    Escorzonera

    Perezia multiflora (en verwante soorten)

    A low, prickly herb with toothed leaves and yellow or white flower heads. Contains phenols, flavonoids and saponins; in the laboratory the leaf inhibits some bacteria. Research in people is limited.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
  • Caution

    Oceania · Herb · № 172

    Eucalyptus

    Eucalyptus globulus

    Eucalyptus oil is used for coughs and blocked noses with colds and externally for muscle pain; the European Medicines Agency recognises these as traditional uses. Strong clinical evidence is limited.

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge+4Folklore
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 876

    Floripondio (angel's trumpet)

    Brugmansia spp. (o.a. B. arborea, B. sanguinea)

    A shrub or small tree with large hanging trumpet flowers. All parts contain tropane alkaloids such as scopolamine and atropine, which cause confusion and hallucinations.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+2
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 899

    Prickly sow-thistle

    Sonchus asper

    An annual or biennial plant with spiny, blue-green leaves, yellow dandelion-like flowers and milky sap in the stem. The leaves are edible and nutritious.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 163

    Guarana

    Paullinia cupana

    The seeds contain about twice as much caffeine as coffee beans. Guarana is used in energy drinks and soft drinks; its stimulating effect comes from caffeine.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+2
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 895

    Huacatay (black mint)

    Tagetes minuta

    A tall, strongly scented marigold with small flower heads. Its essential oil is used in perfume and soft drinks.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 1010

    Huamanpinta

    Chuquiraga spinosa (en C. rotundifolia)

    A prickly shrub with hard, pointed little leaves and orange-yellow flower heads. Contains phenolic acids, flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids; animal studies point to an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 19

    Chamomile

    Matricaria chamomilla (Duitse kamille)

    Flowers are used in teas and topical or oral products. Reliable evidence is insufficient for most claimed conditions.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+7Folklore
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 1008

    Kanlli

    Margyricarpus pinnatus

    A low, prickly shrublet of the rose family with fine, pinnate leaves and edible white or pink berries ('perlilla'). Root and leaf are regarded as diuretic and astringent; research in people is lacking.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 1004

    Kantuta

    Cantua buxifolia

    A much-branched shrub of 2 to 3 metres with clusters of tubular flowers in red, pink, yellow or white, pollinated by hummingbirds and bees. Little is known about its effect in people.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 31

    Cinchona bark

    Cinchona spp. (o.a. C. officinalis, C. pubescens)

    The bark contains quinine and other alkaloids. Quinine became an important antimalarial, but using the bark yourself is unsafe and is not malaria treatment.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+1
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 1007

    Kiswara

    Buddleja coriacea (en verwante Andes-soorten)

    A tough shrub or tree with small, leathery leaves, rusty-brown underneath, and fragrant orange-yellow flowers. Little has been studied about its effect in people.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
  • Caution

    Africa · Food · № 12

    Garlic

    Allium sativum

    A food with a long history of use. Supplement research suggests only limited effects and does not establish a treatment.

    Ancient Egyptian medicine+7Folklore
  • Caution

    South America · Food · № 32

    Maca

    Lepidium meyenii

    A root crop eaten as food. Claims about fertility and energy are unproven.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+1
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 897

    Mullaca

    Muehlenbeckia volcanica

    A low, creeping shrublet with small, round, leathery leaves and blue-black berries. Tannins and flavonoids have been found in the extract; in rats it was anti-inflammatory.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 816

    Muña

    Minthostachys mollis

    A mint-like plant used in the Andes for stomach complaints and wind.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+1
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 885

    Peruvian matico (spiked pepper)

    Piper aduncum

    A shrub of the pepper family with rough, fragrant leaves. The leaf was traditionally used to stop bleeding; research is limited.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+1
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 884

    Peruvian elder

    Sambucus peruviana

    A tree with white flower umbels and dark berries, related to the European elder. Flowers and leaves are considered sweat-inducing and anti-inflammatory.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+1
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 898

    Balsam of Peru

    Myroxylon balsamum (var. pereirae)

    A large tree whose resin, the balsam, smells of vanilla and cinnamon. The balsam contains cinnamic acid, benzyl benzoate and vanillin, among other compounds, and is used in perfume, food and ointments for skin and wounds.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+1
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 1009

    Pinku pinku

    Ephedra americana

    A leafless shrub with green, jointed stems, related to the Chinese ma huang. Ephedra species contain ephedrine, which widens the airways but also raises heart rate and blood pressure; how much this species contains has been little studied.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
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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