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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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6 results

  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 593

    Skunk cabbage

    Lysichiton americanus

    Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens the nerves, stimulating, antispasmodic, induces sweating, expectorant; opens the lungs and reduces cough and bronchial spasms (acute asthma), ointment against ringworm, relieves muscle and joint pain.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+2
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 720

    Arisaema rhizome (tian nan xing)

    Arisaema heterophyllum (en A. erubescens)

    Traditionally attributed effects: dries phlegm and expels wind and phlegm from the meridians in convulsions and paralysis.

    Chinese medical traditions
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 942

    Jack-in-the-pulpit

    Arisaema triphyllum

    An arum with a green or striped hood over the spadix. All parts contain needle-shaped crystals of calcium oxalate, which raw cause a fiercely burning mouth and swelling.

    Haudenosaunee medicine
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 412

    Elephant foot yam

    Amorphophallus campanulatus

    Traditionally attributed effects: stomachic, carminative, tonic; for haemorrhoids, indigestion and weakness, boils, eye inflammation, acute rheumatism; promotes menstruation.

    Ayurveda
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 408

    Giant taro

    Alocasia macrorrhiza

    Traditionally attributed effects: aids digestion, laxative, diuretic, promotes milk flow; for colic, constipation, haemorrhoids, oedema, worms, mouth ulcers, scorpion stings.

    Ayurveda
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 943

    Skunk cabbage

    Symplocarpus foetidus

    A marsh arum that flowers in late winter and makes its own heat, melting its way through the snow. It smells of carrion and contains calcium oxalate.

    Haudenosaunee medicine
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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