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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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18 results

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Chinese formulas
Zhu sha an shen wan
Treatment by condition
MenopauseStress, anxiety, hysteria and insomniaLow mood, mania and schizophrenia
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 809

    Kanna

    Sceletium tortuosum

    A succulent that was chewed to lift the mood and reduce hunger and thirst. Contains the alkaloid mesembrine.

    Khoi and San knowledge of rooibos
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 769

    Persian silk tree (he huan pi)

    Albizia julibrissin

    Traditionally attributed effects: calms the mind in anger and low mood and lets the blood flow in pain and swelling.

    Chinese medical traditions
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 181

    Indian snakeroot

    Rauvolfia serpentina

    The root contains reserpine, which lowers blood pressure and has a sedative effect. In the 1950s reserpine was one of the first modern antihypertensives and antipsychotics, but it has largely been replaced by drugs with fewer side effects.

    Ayurveda+2
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 43

    St. John's wort

    Hypericum perforatum

    Research suggests it may help mild to moderate depression; evidence for other uses is insufficient.

    Greco-Roman medicine+3Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Food · № 10

    Bergamot

    Citrus bergamia

    The peel yields bergamot oil, a fragrance in perfume and Earl Grey tea. The oil contains bergapten, which makes the skin sensitive to sunlight. Health claims are not well studied.

    Folk magic and herbal magicFolklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 523

    Corn mint

    Mentha arvensis

    Traditionally attributed effects: aromatic, carminative, stimulating, antispasmodic, promotes menstruation, antiseptic, stomachic, cooling, diuretic; leaf juice for diarrhoea and dysentery, tea for rheumatism and indigestion.

    Ayurveda+2
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 8

    Basil

    Ocimum basilicum

    Traditionally used as an aromatic food plant and in herbal preparations.

    Western herbal medicine+1Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 67

    Borage

    Borago officinalis

    The seed oil, rich in gamma-linolenic acid, has been studied for eczema and joint inflammation with mixed results. The leaf was traditionally used to reduce fever and as a tonic.

    Western herbal medicine+2
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 93

    Betony

    Betonica officinalis (syn. Stachys officinalis)

    Traditionally used for tension headaches and nervousness. Modern clinical research is lacking.

    Greco-Roman medicine+3
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 281

    Blue flag

    Iris versicolor

    Traditionally attributed effects: anti-inflammatory, diuretic, stimulating, laxative.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+3
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 290

    Bupleurum (chai hu)

    Bupleurum chinense

    Traditionally attributed effects: energy tonic, stimulates the liver, cooling, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, promotes bile, lowers cholesterol.

    Chinese medical traditions+3
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 85

    Lemon balm

    Melissa officinalis

    Traditionally used for restlessness, sleep problems and a nervous stomach; externally for cold sores. Small studies suggest a mild calming effect, but evidence is limited.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+7Folklore
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 378

    Lemon verbena

    Aloysia citrodora

    Traditionally attributed effects: relaxing, helps you fall asleep.

    The Guaraní and the mate tradition+4Folklore
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 118

    Fenugreek

    Trigonella foenum-graecum

    The seed has been studied for blood sugar and for increasing breast milk. NCCIH reports there is not enough strong evidence for these uses.

    Ancient Egyptian medicine+5Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 37

    Ginkgo

    Ginkgo biloba

    There is no conclusive evidence that ginkgo helps any health condition. A modest effect on dementia symptoms is possible, but results are inconsistent.

    Chinese medical traditions+1
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 78

    Hyssop

    Hyssopus officinalis

    Traditionally used for coughs, colds and congestion. Clinical evidence is lacking.

    Western herbal medicine+2Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 89

    Rose and rose hip

    Rosa spp.

    Rose hips are rich in vitamin C; a hip powder has been studied for osteoarthritis with modest results. Rose water and oil are used in skin care and as fragrance.

    Avicenna's Canon in European universities+6Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 268

    Wheat

    Triticum aestivum

    Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens, rejuvenates, soothes ulcers, stimulates appetite, promotes healing of fractures, gives stability, healthy complexion; mildly aphrodisiac; anti-stress breakfast.

    Ayurveda+2Folklore
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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