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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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2 results

  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 892

    Tola

    Parastrephia quadrangularis (syn. Lepidophyllum quadrangulare, P. lepidophylla)

    A resinous shrub up to two metres tall with small, scale-like leaves; typical of the dry high plateau.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 893

    Yareta

    Azorella compacta (en verwante soorten)

    An evergreen cushion plant that grows over the ground like a green boulder. It grows about one and a half centimetres a year; some plants are estimated to be over 3,000 years old. The plant contains a sticky resin.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
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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