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

7 results

  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 871

    Quinchamalí

    Quinchamalium chilense

    A semi-parasitic herb with orange-yellow flowers in heads. Traditionally for wounds and colds; research is lacking.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+1
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 62

    Greater burdock

    Arctium lappa

    In Europe the root was considered a 'blood-cleansing' herb for skin problems such as eczema and acne; the seed is used in Chinese medicine for sore throats. Clinical evidence is weak.

    Western herbal medicine+5
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 548

    Indian madder

    Rubia cordifolia

    Traditionally attributed effects: promotes menstruation, astringent, diuretic, cleansing, decongestant, tonic; for paralysis, jaundice, urinary tract obstruction, menstrual disorders, mastitis, too little lochia.

    Ayurveda+2
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 508

    Indian sarsaparilla

    Hemidesmus indicus

    Traditionally attributed effects: cleansing, tonic, soothing, induces sweating and urination, purifies the blood; for lack of appetite, indigestion, fever, skin diseases, syphilis, leucorrhoea, urogenital diseases, chronic cough, rheumatic joints.

    Ayurveda
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 338

    Yellow dock

    Rumex crispus

    Traditionally attributed effects: strongly laxative, promotes bile, cleansing.

    Western herbal medicine+1
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 369

    Sarsaparilla

    Smilax spp. (o.a. Smilax ornata)

    The root contains saponins and was long sold as a 'blood-purifying' remedy and for skin conditions. There is no evidence that sarsaparilla treats herpes, syphilis or other infections.

    Curanderismo+2
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 633

    Sassafras

    Sassafras albidum

    Traditionally attributed effects: expels wind, dampness and cold in joint complaints, also when heat is involved, moves the blood in stasis after trauma or in absent menstruation, and is used for itchy skin.

    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.

Read more

From plant to use

Ways to prepare herbs

All preparations →

Discover more

Traditions, kitchen and classical formulas