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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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  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 320

    Wild garlic

    Allium ursinum

    Traditionally attributed effects: antimicrobial, lowers blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.

    Western herbal medicine
  • Caution

    Africa · Food · № 12

    Garlic

    Allium sativum

    A food with a long history of use. Supplement research suggests only limited effects and does not establish a treatment.

    Ancient Egyptian medicine+7Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 758

    Garlic chives (jiu zi)

    Allium tuberosum

    Traditionally attributed effects: the seed strengthens kidney yang and warms stomach and spleen.

    Chinese medical traditions+1
  • Caution

    Europe · Food · № 270

    Chives

    Allium schoenoprasum

    A mild onion herb with vitamin C and sulphur compounds. A medicinal effect has not been shown.

    Monastic and folk knowledge
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 1

    Ginger

    Zingiber officinale

    Traditionally used for nausea and digestive discomfort; it has a warming flavor.

    Ayurveda+6Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 102

    Great mullein

    Verbascum thapsus

    Leaves and flowers contain mucilage and are traditionally used for irritating coughs and bronchitis; the flower oil for earache. Clinical evidence is limited.

    Greco-Roman medicine+4
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 880

    Mucura (guinea henweed)

    Petiveria alliacea

    A herb with a strong garlic smell. It has been studied for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects; clinical evidence is lacking.

    Curanderismo of northern Peru
  • Caution

    Europe · Food · № 264

    Leek

    Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum

    A vegetable with fibre, vitamin K and sulphur compounds, related to onion and garlic. Leek soup is an old home remedy for colds and hoarseness.

    Anglo-Saxon medicine+1Folklore
  • Caution

    North America · Food · № 936

    Ramps

    Allium tricoccum

    A wild leek with broad leaves and a small bulb, related to European wild garlic. Leaves and bulb taste of onion and garlic.

    Haudenosaunee medicine+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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