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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

    North America · Herb · № 994

    Indian physic

    Gillenia trifoliata (syn. Porteranthus trifoliatus)

    A perennial of the rose family with three-parted leaves and loose sprays of white or pale pink flowers with five narrow petals. The root is emetic and purgative; it was listed in the United States Pharmacopeia as American ipecac.

    Cherokee medicine
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 307

    Indian tobacco

    Lobelia inflata

    Traditionally attributed effects: relaxing, expectorant, induces sweating, emetic, antispasmodic, anti-asthmatic.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+4
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 117

    Senna

    Senna alexandrina

    Leaves and pods contain sennosides, a stimulant laxative that works for short-term constipation. It is used in modern over-the-counter laxatives.

    Ancient Egyptian medicine+5
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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