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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

    Europe · Herb · № 46

    Milk thistle

    Silybum marianum

    Promoted for liver disorders, but there is not enough high-quality evidence of effects in people.

    Western herbal medicine
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 899

    Prickly sow-thistle

    Sonchus asper

    An annual or biennial plant with spiny, blue-green leaves, yellow dandelion-like flowers and milky sap in the stem. The leaves are edible and nutritious.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 300

    Blessed thistle

    Cnicus benedictus

    Traditionally attributed effects: bitter digestive stimulant, expectorant, antiseptic, wound-healing.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+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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