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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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Recipes
Longan chicken soup with three seeds
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 643

    Chinese raspberry (fu pen zi)

    Rubus chingii

    Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens kidneys and liver; for poor vision, frequent urination and impotence.

    Chinese medical traditions+1
  • Caution

    Europe · Food · № 90

    Raspberry

    Rubus idaeus

    The fruit is a nutritious berry. Raspberry leaf has been used in folk medicine in late pregnancy to ease labour; convincing evidence is lacking.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+3Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 641

    Chinese dodder (tu si zi)

    Cuscuta chinensis

    Traditionally attributed effects: a remedy for male infertility and urinary complaints; a tonic that strengthens bones and tendons, soothes lower back pain and balances the female reproductive system.

    Chinese medical traditions
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 973

    Salmonberry

    Rubus spectabilis

    A bramble with pink flowers and yellow-orange to red berries. Leaves and bark contain tannins and are astringent.

    Kwakwaka'wakw medicine
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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