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
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 627
Aralia californica
Traditionally attributed effects: opens the surface in wind-cold and fever without sweating, warms the lung and stops cough with abundant white or clear phlegm, and (roasted with honey) strengthens the energy of lung and spleen.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 311
Melilotus officinalis
Traditionally attributed effects: soothing, diuretic, antispasmodic, anticoagulant.
CautionAsia · Food · № 42
Syzygium aromaticum
A spice. Clove oil containing eugenol may help with toothache; other claims are unproven.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 99
Trifolium pratense
Contains isoflavones (plant oestrogens) and is sold for menopausal symptoms. NCCIH concludes there is no convincing evidence that it reduces hot flushes.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 197
Dianthus spp.
The clove pink has fragrant, edible petals. In Chinese medicine the related Dianthus superbus (qu mai) is used for bladder infections; no medicinal effect is described for the garden carnation.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 558
Swertia chirata
Traditionally attributed effects: bitter tonic, stomachic, expels worms, laxative, cleansing, antidiarrhoeal, antipyretic; for intermittent fever, skin diseases, intestinal worms, asthma, hiccups and vomiting, gout; scorpion stings.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 344
Elettaria cardamomum
Traditionally attributed effects: aromatic, pungent, strengthens the heart, stomachic, laxative, diuretic, carminative; for asthma, bronchitis, haemorrhoids, bladder complaints, flatulence, cramps from laxatives, dizziness, indigestion, vomiting.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 60
Angelica archangelica
An aromatic bitter traditionally used for bloating, poor appetite and colds. Clinical evidence is limited.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 82
Leonurus cardiaca
Traditionally used for stress-related palpitations, nervousness and menstrual complaints. Clinical research is scarce.
CautionAsia · Food · № 733
Diospyros kaki
Traditionally attributed effects: the calyx makes the stomach energy descend in hiccups and belching.
CautionAfrica · Food · № 12
Allium sativum
A food with a long history of use. Supplement research suggests only limited effects and does not establish a treatment.
CautionAsia · Other · № 771
Liquidambar orientalis
Traditionally attributed effects: the resin opens the sense orifices and relieves pain with a tight chest.
CautionCentral America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 212
Pimenta dioica
The dried berries contain eugenol, like cloves, and give a warm flavour. In Caribbean folk medicine they are used for stomach ache and wind; research is lacking.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 975
Oxalis oregana
A low wood sorrel with large clover-like leaves and white or pink flowers, forming carpets under the trees. The leaf tastes sour from oxalic acid.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 633
Sassafras albidum
Traditionally attributed effects: expels wind, dampness and cold in joint complaints, also when heat is involved, moves the blood in stasis after trauma or in absent menstruation, and is used for itchy skin.
CautionEurope · Food · № 21
Sambucus nigra
Berries have a folk-use history for cold and flu symptoms; clinical evidence remains 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.
Read moreFrom plant to use
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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.