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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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Recipes
Sorrel, Caribbean Christmas drink
  • 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 · № 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

    Africa · Food · № 25

    Roselle (hibiscus)

    Hibiscus sabdariffa

    The red calyces make a tart drink. Folk medicine links it to blood pressure; it is not a substitute for treatment.

    Ancient Egyptian medicine+2Folklore
  • 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

    North America · Herb · № 950

    Spicebush

    Lindera benzoin

    A shrub of the laurel family with fragrant leaves and twigs and red berries.

    Haudenosaunee medicine+1
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 319

    Quassia

    Picrasma excelsa

    Traditionally attributed effects: expels worms, bitter.

    Herbal knowledge of the Caribbean+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.

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Traditions, kitchen and classical formulas