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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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7 results

  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 889

    Bilyea

    Grimolobium pubescens (syn. Otholobium pubescens, Psoralea pubescens)

    A shrub of the pea family with leaves in threes. It contains bakuchiol, among other compounds; extracts lowered blood sugar in experiments with mice. Studies in people are lacking.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 284

    Buckwheat

    Fagopyrum esculentum

    Traditionally attributed effects: lowers blood pressure, vasodilating, restores the vessel walls.

    Chinese medical traditions+1
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 856

    Culén

    Grimolobium glandulosum (syn. Otholobium glandulosum, Psoralea glandulosa)

    A shrub of the pea family with glandular, fragrant leaves. Traditionally used for digestive complaints, diarrhoea and on wounds; good research is lacking.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+1
  • Caution

    Europe · Mushroom · № 115

    Penny bun (porcini)

    Boletus edulis, Cantharellus cibarius, Morchella esculenta, Pleurotus ostreatus

    A prized edible mushroom with protein, fibre and minerals. Medicinal claims are unproven.

    Western herbal medicine
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 808

    Hoodia

    Hoodia gordonii

    A succulent whose stem the San chewed against hunger and thirst. Not proven as a slimming aid.

    Khoi and San knowledge of rooibos
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 809

    Kanna

    Sceletium tortuosum

    A succulent that was chewed to lift the mood and reduce hunger and thirst. Contains the alkaloid mesembrine.

    Khoi and San knowledge of rooibos
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 912

    Pasuchaca

    Geranium ayavacense en Geranium sessiliflorum

    Low, rosette-forming cranesbills with a thick root. They contain tannins. Whether the tea lowers blood sugar has not been properly studied in people.

    Curanderismo of northern Peru
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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