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
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 999
Impatiens capensis
An annual, juicy herb with orange, spotted flowers. Ripe seed pods burst open when touched and shoot the seeds away, hence the names touch-me-not and jewelweed. The sap contains saponins and naphthoquinones; one study found it can prevent a poison ivy rash after short exposure, though washing with soap works at least as well.
CautionAfrica · Food · № 807
Cyclopia intermedia
A caffeine-free, sweetish tea related to rooibos. Health effects have not been established.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 283
Cytisus scoparius
Traditionally attributed effects: diuretic, laxative, raises blood pressure, stimulates the uterus.
CautionAfrica · Herb · № 26
Agathosma betulina
Fragrant leaves used as a flavoring and in folk medicine; clinical evidence for treatment is lacking.
CautionSouth America · Herb · № 852
Drimys winteri
A tree with a peppery, bitter bark. As Winter's bark it was a remedy for scurvy for centuries; otherwise its effects are little studied.
CautionSouth America · Herb · № 227
Tropaeolum majus
Leaves and flowers taste sharp because of mustard oil glycosides. In Germany a combination with horseradish is approved as a remedy for bladder and respiratory infections; there is little research on the plant alone.
CautionAfrica · Food · № 11
Aspalathus linearis
A caffeine-free herbal infusion used as a beverage; it is not an established treatment.
CautionAfrica · Herb · № 201
Pelargonium graveolens
Traditionally attributed effects: antidepressant, pain-relieving, diuretic, calming, tonic.
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.
Read moreFrom plant to use
Discover more
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.