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
CautionAsia · Herb · № 132
Paeonia lactiflora en P. suffruticosa
The peeled root (bai shao, white peony) is used in Chinese medicine for cramps, period pain and muscle pain. There are studies of combination formulas but few of peony alone.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 120
Angelica sinensis
In Chinese medicine one of the most important herbs to 'nourish the blood', especially for menstrual complaints. Western studies found no clear effect on menopausal symptoms.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 740
Corydalis yanhusuo
Traditionally attributed effects: moves blood and qi and is an important pain-relieving herb.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 137
Rheum palmatum
The root (da huang) contains anthraquinones, making it a strong laxative. In small amounts its tannins have the opposite, binding effect. Its mechanism is well understood.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 741
Lycopus lucidus
Traditionally attributed effects: moves the blood and regulates menstruation; diuretic.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 673
Rehmannia glutinosa
Traditionally attributed effects: raw it cools the blood and nourishes yin; prepared (steamed with wine) it nourishes the blood and the kidney yin.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 57
Agrimonia eupatoria
An astringent, tannin-rich herb traditionally used for diarrhoea, sore throats and minor wounds. Good human research is lacking.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 290
Bupleurum chinense
Traditionally attributed effects: energy tonic, stimulates the liver, cooling, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, promotes bile, lowers cholesterol.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 124
Chrysanthemum × morifolium
The flowers (ju hua) are used in Chinese medicine as a 'cooling' remedy for colds with fever, headaches and tired, red eyes. Clinical evidence is limited.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 765
Ailanthus altissima
Traditionally attributed effects: cools heat, dries dampness and curbs diarrhoea, discharge and bleeding.
Caution
CautionAsia · Food · № 645
Coix lacryma-jobi
Traditionally attributed effects: nourishing grain that drives dampness from the body; for arthritis and rheumatism, diuretic, and to relieve a full chest and stomach ulcers.
CautionAsia · Food · № 38
Cinnamomum verum
A spice made from inner bark. Research on health effects is preliminary; cinnamon is not a treatment.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 565
Tribulus terrestris
Traditionally attributed effects: cooling, soothing, diuretic, tonic, aphrodisiac.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 136
Pueraria montana var. lobata
The root (ge gen) is used in Chinese medicine for fever, stiff neck and thirst. Small studies have looked at kudzu for reducing alcohol use, with mixed results.
CautionAsia · Food · № 792
Saccharum granorum (maltose)
Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens qi and spleen, eases pain from cold in the middle and moistens the lungs.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 321
Carthamus tinctorius
Traditionally attributed effects: laxative, diuretic, anti-inflammatory.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 745
Biancaea sappan (syn. Caesalpinia sappan)
Traditionally attributed effects: lets the blood flow in menstrual pain and injury.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 644
Ligusticum chuanxiong (syn. L. striatum)
Traditionally attributed effects: promotes circulation, helps with menstrual complaints and as a restorative tonic after childbirth, and is said to lower high blood pressure; warming.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 767
Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa
Traditionally attributed effects: nourishes heart yin and calms the mind in insomnia and restlessness; curbs night sweats.
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.