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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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6 results

  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 883

    Manayupa

    Desmodium molliculum

    A low plant of the pea family. Traditionally used for inflammation and wounds; research is limited.

    Curanderismo of northern Peru
  • Caution

    North America · Food · № 934

    American chestnut

    Castanea dentata

    Once one of the largest trees of the eastern forests, with sweet, edible nuts. Related to the sweet chestnut.

    Haudenosaunee medicine+1
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 405

    Sage-leaved alangium

    Alangium salviifolium

    Traditionally attributed effects: expels worms, laxative, emetic, diuretic; antidote in poisoning, for diarrhoea, leprosy and skin diseases, dog bites, worms, acute rheumatism.

    Ayurveda
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 926

    Chiricaspi

    Brunfelsia grandiflora

    A shrub of the nightshade family up to three metres tall, with fragrant flowers that fade from purple to white. Contains scopoletin, among others, and compounds that cause convulsions in animals. Gives a feeling of cold and tingling, and in larger amounts dizziness and paralysis.

    Herbal knowledge of the Amazon+1
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 927

    Sanango

    Tabernaemontana sananho

    A tree of the dogbane family, related to iboga. Contains the indole alkaloids coronaridine, voacangine and ibogamine, which resemble those of iboga. Anti-inflammatory, and in the laboratory effective against the parasite that causes leishmaniasis.

    Herbal knowledge of the Amazon
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 755

    Cibotium (gou ji)

    Cibotium barometz

    Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens kidney yang, bones and tendons in a stiff, painful lower back and knees.

    Chinese medical traditions
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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