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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

    Europe · Herb · № 112

    Ground ivy

    Glechoma hederacea

    Traditionally used for blocked noses, sinus complaints and coughs. There is hardly any clinical research.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+2
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 703

    Gold coin grass (jin qian cao)

    Lysimachia christinae (ook Desmodium styracifolium)

    Traditionally attributed effects: helps pass kidney and gallstones and drains damp heat from the liver.

    Chinese medical traditions
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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Traditions, kitchen and classical formulas