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

Also found

Chinese formulas
Bao he wanEr chen tang
  • Caution

    Europe · Food · № 10

    Bergamot

    Citrus bergamia

    The peel yields bergamot oil, a fragrance in perfume and Earl Grey tea. The oil contains bergapten, which makes the skin sensitive to sunlight. Health claims are not well studied.

    Folk magic and herbal magicFolklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 123

    Bitter orange

    Citrus × aurantium

    The dried unripe fruit (zhi shi) and peel are used in Chinese medicine for bloating and sluggish digestion. NCCIH warns that weight-loss products containing bitter orange (synephrine) pose risks to the heart and blood pressure.

    Chinese medical traditions+2
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 221

    Lemon

    Citrus limon

    Traditionally attributed effects: anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, diuretic, strengthens the veins.

    Ayurveda+3Folklore
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Food · № 257

    Grapefruit

    Citrus × paradisi

    A citrus fruit rich in vitamin C. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice inhibit enzymes that break down many medicines. The essential oil is used in skin and hair products, but effects on cellulite or hair growth have not been shown.

    Western herbal medicine
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 238

    Lime

    Citrus aurantiifolia

    A sour citrus fruit rich in vitamin C. The juice was given against scurvy and is used in Asia with honey or salt for coughs and sore throat.

    Jamu in Indonesia+1Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 730

    Tangerine peel (chen pi)

    Citrus reticulata

    Traditionally attributed effects: the ripe peel (chen pi) moves the qi of spleen and lung and dissolves phlegm; the green peel (qing pi) moves liver qi.

    Chinese medical traditions+2
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 220

    Orange

    Citrus sinensis

    Traditionally attributed effects: against dandruff; sweet oranges good for skin and hair.

    Ayurveda+2Folklore
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