Skip to content
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

Search by concern or tag

52 results

Also found

Recipes
Sorrel, Caribbean Christmas drink
  • 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

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 347

    Mexican marigold

    Tagetes erecta

    Traditionally attributed effects: curbs sebum in oily skin, calms and prevents dehydration in dry skin, hydrates and keeps wrinkles at bay in combination skin; spiritual symbol of inner fire.

    Curanderismo+1
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 374

    Amaranth

    Amaranthus spp.

    Traditionally attributed effects: flowers, leaf and root strongly antiseptic; wound healing.

    Folk magic and herbal magicFolklore
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Food · № 166

    Avocado

    Persea americana

    A fruit rich in monounsaturated fats, fibre and potassium; it fits a diet that is favourable for cholesterol. Avocado oil is used in skin care.

    Maya healing knowledge+4Folklore
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Food · № 265

    Beans

    Phaseolus vulgaris

    A legume rich in protein and fibre. Raw or undercooked beans contain the toxic phytohaemagglutinin; thorough cooking is needed. Beans are otherwise mainly food, not medicine.

    Maya healing knowledge+3Folklore
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Food · № 30

    Cacao

    Theobroma cacao

    The seeds are the basis of cocoa and chocolate and contain theobromine and some caffeine. Health claims do not make cacao a treatment.

    Maya healing knowledge+2
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Other · № 392

    Candelilla

    Euphorbia antisyphilitica

    Traditionally attributed effects: plant wax that makes the balm firm.

  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 161

    Cayenne pepper

    Capsicum frutescens

    Capsaicin from chilli peppers is used externally for nerve pain and joint pain; high-dose capsaicin patches are an approved medicine. Internally it is mainly a warming spice.

    Maya healing knowledge+6Folklore
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Food · № 825

    Chaya (tree spinach)

    Cnidoscolus aconitifolius

    A nutritious leaf vegetable of the Maya.

    Maya healing knowledge
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Other · № 817

    Copal

    Protium copal

    Resin from tropical trees that is burned as incense at ceremonies.

    Maya healing knowledge+1
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 928

    Damiana

    Turnera diffusa

    A small, woody shrub with small, strongly scented leaves and yellow flowers. Contains flavonoids such as apigenin and acacetin, terpenes and a small amount of cyanogenic glycosides. Considered mildly calming and uplifting; which substances cause this is not known.

    Curanderismo
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 481

    Thorn apple

    Datura metel

    Traditionally attributed effects: narcotic, pain-relieving, antispasmodic (like belladonna); compress for rheumatic swellings, lumbago, sciatica, nerve pain, painful tumours; leaves and seeds for asthma and whooping cough; liniment for painful menstruation.

    Ayurveda+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

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 820

    Estafiate (white sagebrush)

    Artemisia ludoviciana

    A bitter, aromatic herb used in Mexico for stomach ache and digestive complaints.

    Curanderismo+1
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 462

    Velvet leaf

    Cissampelos pareira

    Traditionally attributed effects: mildly stomachic, bitter tonic, diuretic, dissolves stones, astringent; for intestinal complaints, indigestion, diarrhoea, prolapsed uterus, internal inflammation, urinary tract diseases, purifies the blood in skin diseases.

    Herbal knowledge of the Caribbean+1
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Food · № 257

    Grapefruit

    Citrus × paradisi

    A citrus fruit rich in vitamin C. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice inhibit enzymes that break down many medicines. The essential oil is used in skin and hair products, but effects on cellulite or hair growth have not been shown.

    Western herbal medicine
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 309

    Jamaican dogwood

    Piscidia piscipula

    Traditionally attributed effects: calming, pain-relieving.

    Western herbal medicine
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 514

    Japanese morning glory

    Ipomoea nil

    Traditionally attributed effects: strongly laxative, expels worms; for constipation, substitute for jalap root.

    Ayurveda+2
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Food · № 416

    Custard apple

    Annona squamosa

    Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, tonic, expels worms, laxative, diuretic, insecticidal; unripe fruit for diarrhoea and dysentery, leaves for non-healing ulcers and fainting, seed powder against lice.

    Ayurveda
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 455

    Coffee senna

    Cassia occidentalis

    Traditionally attributed effects: laxative, fever-reducing, diuretic, antipyretic; root as an antidote and for fever and nerve pain, cramps in hysteria, flatulence; seeds for cough and whooping cough.

    Herbal knowledge of the Caribbean+1
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 583

    Queen of the night

    Selenicereus grandiflorus

    Traditionally attributed effects: tonic, relaxing; strengthens the heart muscle and heart function (also in the elderly), relieves chest tightness and restricted breathing.

    Western herbal medicine
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 319

    Quassia

    Picrasma excelsa

    Traditionally attributed effects: expels worms, bitter.

    Herbal knowledge of the Caribbean+1
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Food · № 266

    Maize

    Zea mays

    Traditionally attributed effects: diuretic, heals the urinary tract lining, tonic, soothing.

    Maya healing knowledge+7Folklore
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 420

    Mexican prickly poppy

    Argemone mexicana

    Traditionally attributed effects: root diuretic, cleansing, pain-relieving, sleep-inducing; seeds laxative, emetic, expectorant; for oedema, jaundice, skin diseases, warts, scabies, gonorrhoea, tapeworm, cough and asthma.

    Curanderismo+1
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 906

    Ololiuqui

    Ipomoea corymbosa (syn. Turbina corymbosa, Rivea corymbosa)

    A woody morning glory with white flowers. The small, round seeds contain ergine (LSA) and related ergoline alkaloids, chemically related to LSD. They bring an intoxication with visions, often with nausea and lethargy.

    Curanderismo
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Food · № 452

    Papaya

    Carica papaya

    Traditionally attributed effects: aids digestion, expels worms, stomachic, promotes menstruation; ripe fruit mildly laxative; leaves against amoebic dysentery and fever; seeds against roundworms; promotes milk flow; unripe fruit abortifacient.

    Herbal knowledge of the Caribbean+2
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 391

    Arrowroot

    Maranta arundinacea

    Traditionally attributed effects: absorbs moisture.

  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 212

    Allspice

    Pimenta dioica

    The dried berries contain eugenol, like cloves, and give a warm flavour. In Caribbean folk medicine they are used for stomach ache and wind; research is lacking.

    Maya healing knowledge+3Folklore
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 822

    Pirul (Peruvian pepper tree)

    Schinus molle

    A tree with aromatic leaves and pink berries, used in cleansing rituals and as a folk remedy.

    Curanderismo+2
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 167

    Lignum vitae

    Guaiacum officinale

    The resin and wood were used for rheumatic complaints and gout; guaiac resin is still used in the guaiac test for blood in stool. There is no modern evidence for its classic uses.

    Herbal knowledge of the Caribbean+1
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Food · № 263

    Squash

    Cucurbita moschata

    Traditionally attributed effects: heart-warming and nourishing for body, mind and soul; good for skin and hair.

    Maya healing knowledge+6Folklore
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 905

    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.

    Curanderismo
  • 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

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 923

    Sinicuichi

    Heimia salicifolia

    A shrub of the loosestrife family with narrow leaves and yellow flowers. Contains vertine (cryogenine), lyfoline and lythrine. Said to cause slight dizziness, a yellow tint over what one sees and the feeling that sounds come from far away.

    Curanderismo
  • 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

    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
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.

Read more

From plant to use

Ways to prepare herbs

All preparations →

Discover more

Traditions, kitchen and classical formulas