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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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2 results

  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 805

    African cherry (pygeum)

    Prunus africana

    A bark extract is used in Europe for benign prostate enlargement; the evidence is limited.

    Local African healing traditions
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 909

    Iboga

    Tabernanthe iboga

    A shrub of the dogbane family up to ten metres tall. The root bark contains ibogaine and about ten other alkaloids. In small amounts stimulating; in large amounts a dreamlike state with visions that lasts for days.

    Local African healing traditions
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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