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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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15 results

  • Caution

    North America · Food · № 254

    Blueberry

    Vaccinium spp.

    A fibre-rich berry with plenty of anthocyanins. Observational research links eating berries to a healthy diet; a medicinal effect has not been shown.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+1Folklore
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 372

    Bloodroot

    Sanguinaria canadensis

    Traditionally attributed effects: stimulating, emetic, expectorant, restorative; part of escharotic treatment for cervical dysplasia, warms lungs/stomach/uterus, promotes coughing up.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+4
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 327

    Fragrant sumac

    Rhus aromatica

    Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, tonic, antidiabetic, diuretic.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+1
  • Caution

    Oceania · Herb · № 845

    Harakeke (New Zealand flax)

    Phormium tenax

    The gel-like sap from the leaf base is traditionally applied to wounds, burns, ulcers and grazes; the root was regarded as laxative and worm-expelling. Scientific evidence is limited.

    Rongoā Māori
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 155

    Pokeweed

    Phytolacca americana

    Formerly used for swollen glands, tonsillitis and rheumatism. Because of its toxicity it is not a safe herb; there is no evidence of benefits that outweigh the risks.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+5
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 75

    Cleavers

    Galium aparine

    Used in Western herbalism as a 'lymphatic' herb for swollen glands and skin conditions. Scientific evidence is lacking.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+2
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 370

    Oregon grape

    Mahonia aquifolium

    Traditionally attributed effects: cleansing, purifies the blood, tonic, stimulating, supports the liver; improves appetite and digestion, promotes liver and bile secretion, purifies the blood, helps with skin problems, sudden diarrhoea and chronic constipation.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+1
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 91

    White willow

    Salix alba

    The bark contains salicin, which the body partly converts to salicylic acid. There are hints of a moderate effect on low back pain and joint pain.

    Greco-Roman medicine+3Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 535

    Screwpine

    Pandanus tectorius

    Traditionally attributed effects: bitter, laxative, aromatic; leaves for leprosy, smallpox, scabies, syphilis, leucoderma; anthers for earache, headache and blood diseases; oil for headache and rheumatism.

    Ayurveda+1
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 945

    Purple pitcher plant

    Sarracenia purpurea

    A carnivorous plant with pitcher-shaped leaves that hold rainwater, in which insects drown. Little research exists on effects in people.

    Haudenosaunee medicine
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 824

    Sweetgrass

    Hierochloe odorata

    A sweet-scented grass that is burned in ceremonies.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+2
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 598

    White oak

    Quercus alba

    Traditionally attributed effects: strongly astringent; strengthens lax tissue (diarrhoea, inflamed gums, chronic nasal congestion, weak bladder), stops bleeding (nosebleeds, internal bleeding).

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+2
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 986

    Yellowroot

    Xanthorhiza simplicissima

    A low shrub of the buttercup family, one of the few woody species in that family. Root and stem are bright yellow from berberine, a bitter substance also found in goldenseal and barberry that inhibits bacteria and fungi.

    Cherokee medicine
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 933

    Black ash

    Fraxinus nigra

    An ash of wet ground. The wood has hardly any fibre between the growth rings, so after pounding it splits into thin strips. Medicinal effects have not been studied.

    Haudenosaunee medicine
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 576

    Black walnut

    Juglans nigra

    Traditionally attributed effects: cleansing, laxative, astringent, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antifungal; cleanses and strengthens the large intestine, for skin problems, traveller's diarrhoea, sinusitis, underactive thyroid.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+3
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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