From Ayurveda to Rongoā Māori
Communities around the world learned how plants nourish, care and heal. Here their traditions stand beside present-day use, with respect for every culture.
GrapeFolk magic and herbal magic
BuchuLocal African healing traditions
Indian tobaccoCherokee medicine
Lignum vitaeHerbal knowledge of the Caribbean
Yerba mateKallawaya healing knowledge
CautionSouth America · Herb · № 31
Cinchona spp. (o.a. C. officinalis, C. pubescens)
The bark contains quinine and other alkaloids. Quinine became an important antimalarial, but using the bark yourself is unsafe and is not malaria treatment.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 121
Artemisia annua
Source of artemisinin, the basis of today's standard malaria treatment. Teas or herbal preparations, however, are not a reliable malaria treatment; the WHO advises against them.
CautionAfrica · Herb · № 805
Prunus africana
A bark extract is used in Europe for benign prostate enlargement; the evidence is limited.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 991
Cornus florida
A small tree with large white bracts around a knot of tiny flowers in spring, red berries and red autumn leaves. The bark is astringent and bitter; in the American Civil War it served as a substitute for quinine, and in the laboratory compounds from the bark moderately inhibited the malaria parasite. The berries are poisonous to people.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 447
Caesalpinia crista
Traditionally attributed effects: antipyretic, antispasmodic, bitter tonic, expels worms, fever-reducing; for fever, intermittent fever, asthma, colic, swellings, bleeding, liver disorders, convulsions and nervous complaints.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 688
Brucea javanica
Traditionally attributed effects: was used for amoebic dysentery, malaria and externally for warts.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 409
Alstonia scholaris
Traditionally attributed effects: stimulating, bitter tonic, astringent, expectorant, fever-reducing, antipyretic; quinine substitute for intermittent fever, for indigestion, weakness, skin diseases, liver complaints, chronic diarrhoea; promotes milk flow, expels worms.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 144
Tinospora cordifolia
In Ayurveda a rejuvenating remedy (rasayana) for fevers and the immune system. Studies are small; it has no proven effect against infections.
CautionAfrica · Herb · № 536
Peganum harmala
Traditionally attributed effects: cleansing, antipyretic, stimulating, promotes menstruation; against tapeworm, intermittent fever and chronic malaria, pain-relieving in asthma, colic, jaundice; promotes milk and menstruation; gargle for sore throat; against head lice.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 436
Berberis aristata
Traditionally attributed effects: tonic, stomachic, astringent, antipyretic, induces sweating, cleansing; for malaria and intermittent fever (comparable to quinine), washing ulcers, eye diseases, haemorrhoids, swollen glands; laxative for children.
CautionAfrica · Herb · № 806
Combretum micranthum
The leaves are drunk as an everyday tea; traditionally also for fever and digestive complaints. Little studied scientifically.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 39
Azadirachta indica
Used for centuries in traditional medicine in India, but there is insufficient clinical evidence of medical benefits.
CautionAfrica · Herb · № 813
Warburgia salutaris
A tree with a peppery, pungent bark, traditionally used for colds, coughs and mouth complaints.
CautionSouth America · Herb · № 871
Quinchamalium chilense
A semi-parasitic herb with orange-yellow flowers in heads. Traditionally for wounds and colds; research is lacking.
CautionAsia · Mineral · № 799
Realgar (arseensulfide)
Traditionally attributed effects: was used externally against parasites, itching and sores; contains arsenic.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 40
Ocimum tenuiflorum
An aromatic plant drunk as herbal tea; treatment claims are not established.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 515
Justicia adhatoda
Traditionally attributed effects: expectorant, diuretic, antispasmodic, cleansing, bronchodilator; well-known Ayurvedic remedy for bronchitis, asthma, cough, fever, jaundice and tuberculosis; root for malaria, diphtheria and gonorrhoea.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 135
Piper nigrum
Important warming spices in Ayurveda, used for sluggish digestion and colds. Piperine from pepper increases the absorption of some substances, such as curcumin.
Featured · Central America and the Caribbean · Curanderismo
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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43 traditions
How communities built up and passed on their knowledge of plants, region by region.
113 recipes
Soups, teas and dishes in which herbs play a leading role.
146 formulas
The classical Chinese formulas, also listed by condition.