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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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5 results

  • Caution

    Europe · Mushroom · № 115

    Penny bun (porcini)

    Boletus edulis, Cantharellus cibarius, Morchella esculenta, Pleurotus ostreatus

    A prized edible mushroom with protein, fibre and minerals. Medicinal claims are unproven.

    Western herbal medicine
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 1006

    Escorzonera

    Perezia multiflora (en verwante soorten)

    A low, prickly herb with toothed leaves and yellow or white flower heads. Contains phenols, flavonoids and saponins; in the laboratory the leaf inhibits some bacteria. Research in people is limited.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 131

    Sacred lotus

    Nelumbo nucifera

    Almost every part is used: seeds for diarrhoea and restlessness, rhizome as food, leaf for 'summer heat'. Scientific evidence is mostly laboratory research.

    Ayurveda+3Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 792

    Maltose (yi tang)

    Saccharum granorum (maltose)

    Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens qi and spleen, eases pain from cold in the middle and moistens the lungs.

    Chinese medical traditions+1
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 1013

    Turpay

    Nototriche (o.a. N. mandoniana en N. porphyrantha)

    A small, cushion-forming mallow that grows flat against the ground, with a thick taproot. Mallows contain soothing mucilage; these species themselves have hardly been studied.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
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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