From Ayurveda to Rongoā Māori
Communities around the world learned how plants nourish, care and heal. Here their traditions stand beside present-day use, with respect for every culture.
GrapeFolk magic and herbal magic
BuchuLocal African healing traditions
Indian tobaccoCherokee medicine
Lignum vitaeHerbal knowledge of the Caribbean
Yerba mateKallawaya healing knowledge
CautionSouth America · Herb · № 889
Grimolobium pubescens (syn. Otholobium pubescens, Psoralea pubescens)
A shrub of the pea family with leaves in threes. It contains bakuchiol, among other compounds; extracts lowered blood sugar in experiments with mice. Studies in people are lacking.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 465
Clerodendrum infortunatum
Traditionally attributed effects: bitter tonic, antipyretic, expels worms, laxative, promotes bile; externally for tumours and skin diseases, root for sluggish bowels.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 760
Cistanche deserticola
Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens kidney yang, moistens the bowel and warms the uterus.
Caution
CautionAsia · Food · № 697
Lablab purpureus (syn. Dolichos lablab)
Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens the spleen and drains dampness in summer heat with diarrhoea and vomiting.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 785
Prunus japonica
Traditionally attributed effects: moistens the bowel in constipation with stagnation and promotes urination in oedema.
Asia · Herb · № 699
Euphorbia kansui
Traditionally attributed effects: was used as a very strong fluid-draining purgative for fluid in chest and abdomen.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 737
Platycladus orientalis (syn. Biota orientalis)
Traditionally attributed effects: cools the blood and stops bleeding; dissolves phlegm and helps with burns.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 192
Populus tremuloides
Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, fever-reducing, tonic, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving (salicylates); restores the sensitive bladder (incontinence), calms the bowels in stress diarrhoea, heals wounds, lowers fever, relieves headache.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 323
Ulmus rubra (syn. U. fulva)
Traditionally attributed effects: soothing, nourishing, astringent.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 709
Stephania tetrandra
Traditionally attributed effects: diuretic in oedema (especially of the legs) and pain-relieving in hot, swollen joints.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 86
Plantago major
The leaf is traditionally bruised and applied to insect bites, small wounds and grazes, and taken as tea for coughs. Clinical evidence is limited.
Featured · Central America and the Caribbean · Curanderismo
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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43 traditions
How communities built up and passed on their knowledge of plants, region by region.
113 recipes
Soups, teas and dishes in which herbs play a leading role.
146 formulas
The classical Chinese formulas, also listed by condition.