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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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2 results

  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 665

    Chinese black cohosh (sheng ma)

    Actaea cimicifuga (syn. Cimicifuga foetida)

    Traditionally attributed effects: expels wind-heat, helps rashes come out and lifts the energy in prolapse.

    Chinese medical traditions+1
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 150

    Black cohosh

    Actaea racemosa

    Mainly sold for menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes. NCCIH reports that study results are mixed and there is not enough evidence that it helps.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+4
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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