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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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3 results

  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 886

    Cabalonga (yellow oleander)

    Cascabela thevetia (syn. Thevetia peruviana)

    A shrub with yellow trumpet flowers, related to oleander. All parts, especially the seeds, contain cardiac glycosides that act on the heart.

    Curanderismo of northern Peru
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 918

    Ishpingo

    Nectandra spp. (en verwante laurierachtigen, o.a. Ocotea en Aiouea)

    Trees of the laurel family with fragrant seeds and bark. Little is known about the substances in the seeds and their effect in people.

    Curanderismo of northern Peru
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 875

    San Pedro cactus

    Echinopsis pachanoi (syn. Trichocereus pachanoi)

    A fast-growing columnar cactus containing mescaline, a powerful mind-altering substance.

    Curanderismo of northern Peru
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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