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

15 results

Also found

Recipes
Cacao drink with chilli and vanilla
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 826

    Mayapple

    Podophyllum peltatum

    A poisonous plant whose resin, podophyllin, was once used as a laxative. Now only used in the form of medicines against warts.

    Eclectic medicine+2
  • 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 · 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 · № 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 · 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 · № 819

    Tobacco

    Nicotiana rustica

    A ceremonial plant of many Indigenous peoples of the Americas. Tobacco is addictive and harmful to health.

    Maya healing knowledge+10
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Food · № 157

    Tomato

    Solanum lycopersicum

    A fruit-vegetable with vitamin C and lycopene. Research on lycopene and heart or prostate health is mostly observational and not conclusive.

    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 · 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 · № 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 · № 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 · 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

    South America · Herb · № 982

    Souroubea

    Souroubea guianensis

    A low shrub or climber of the Marcgraviaceae family, with nectar cups that attract butterflies and moths. From two related Central American species (S. sympetala and S. gilgii) researchers isolated substances that reduce anxiety in animals: betulinic acid and amyrins. In people this has hardly been studied.

    Tukano medicine
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 222

    Vanilla

    Vanilla planifolia

    Traditionally attributed effects: gives a feeling of calm and comfort; fragrance.

    Maya healing knowledge+3Folklore
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