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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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3 results

  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 70

    Field horsetail

    Equisetum arvense

    Rich in silica; traditionally used as a diuretic, for urinary infections and for hair, nails and connective tissue. Good clinical evidence is lacking.

    Western herbal medicine+1
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 888

    Giant horsetail

    Equisetum giganteum

    A large horsetail, rich in silica. Traditionally used as a diuretic, like European field horsetail; good evidence is lacking.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+1
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 666

    Scouring rush (mu zei)

    Equisetum hyemale

    Traditionally attributed effects: expels wind-heat around the eyes, stops bleeding and is diuretic.

    Chinese medical traditions+1
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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