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 · № 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 · Food · № 272
Prunus armeniaca
Traditionally attributed effects: cough-suppressing, astringent, antibacterial, pain-relieving, diuretic, anti-inflammatory; wild cherry suppresses cough.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 303
Achyranthes bidentata
Traditionally attributed effects: promotes circulation, liver tonic, pain-relieving.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 523
Mentha arvensis
Traditionally attributed effects: aromatic, carminative, stimulating, antispasmodic, promotes menstruation, antiseptic, stomachic, cooling, diuretic; leaf juice for diarrhoea and dysentery, tea for rheumatism and indigestion.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 88
Prunella vulgaris
In Europe an old wound herb and gargle for sore throats; in Chinese medicine used for 'heat' and swollen glands. Research is mostly laboratory work.
CautionAsia · Food · № 637
Lycium barbarum, L. chinense
Traditionally attributed effects: sweet tonic that according to tradition strengthens the yang energy, strength and stamina and supports the hormone system.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 19
Matricaria chamomilla (Duitse kamille)
Flowers are used in teas and topical or oral products. Reliable evidence is insufficient for most claimed conditions.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 565
Tribulus terrestris
Traditionally attributed effects: cooling, soothing, diuretic, tonic, aphrodisiac.
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.
CautionCentral America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 456
Cassia tora
Traditionally attributed effects: mildly laxative, cleansing; intestinal complaints and fever when teething, compress for gout, sciatica and joint pain; seeds for ringworm, scabies and eczema; root for snake bites.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 664
Vitex rotundifolia (syn. V. trifolia)
Traditionally attributed effects: expels wind-heat in headache and eye pain, and relieves cramps and heaviness in the limbs.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 773
Uncaria rhynchophylla
Traditionally attributed effects: calms liver wind and rising liver yang in headache, dizziness and high blood pressure.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 672
Buddleja officinalis
Traditionally attributed effects: cools liver heat in red, swollen, watery and light-sensitive eyes.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 128
Morus alba en M. nigra
The leaf (sang ye) is being studied for post-meal blood sugar and is used in Chinese medicine for coughs and fevers; bark, twigs and berries each have their own use too. Evidence is preliminary.
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.