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

Caution
Asia · Herb · № 766
Cherokee rose (jin ying zi)
Rosa laevigata
Traditionally attributed effects: holds in the essence and curbs diarrhoea and frequent urination.
Chinese medical traditions+1
Caution
Europe · Herb · № 104
Guelder rose
Viburnum opulus en V. prunifolium
The bark is traditionally used for muscle cramps and period pain; its English name is cramp bark. Clinical evidence is lacking.
Western herbal medicine+2
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
Africa · Food · № 25
Roselle (hibiscus)
Hibiscus sabdariffa
The red calyces make a tart drink. Folk medicine links it to blood pressure; it is not a substitute for treatment.
Ancient Egyptian medicine+2Folklore
Caution
Europe · Herb · № 2
Rosemary
Salvia rosmarinus (syn. Rosmarinus officinalis)
An aromatic culinary herb with carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid. A few small studies point to a slight effect of the scent on alertness; that it improves memory has not been shown. The leaf is used for digestive complaints.
Monastic and folk knowledge+4Folklore
Caution
Africa · Herb · № 201
Rose geranium
Pelargonium graveolens
Traditionally attributed effects: antidepressant, pain-relieving, diuretic, calming, tonic.
Western herbal medicine+1Folklore
Caution
Europe · Herb · № 366
Rhodiola
Rhodiola rosea
Roseroot is sold as an adaptogen for tiredness and stress. Some studies find a small effect on stress-related fatigue, but they are small and of varying quality. There is no evidence that it prevents colds.
Western herbal medicine+1
Caution
Africa · Herb · № 24
Devil's claw
Harpagophytum procumbens
The tuberous roots are used in folk medicine for pain. Research suggests a possible limited effect on low back pain; the evidence is of moderate quality at best.
Traditional healers of Southern Africa+1
Caution
Oceania · Herb · № 172
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus oil is used for coughs and blocked noses with colds and externally for muscle pain; the European Medicines Agency recognises these as traditional uses. Strong clinical evidence is limited.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge+4Folklore
Caution
Europe · Herb · № 218
Spearmint
Mentha spicata
The classic culinary mint, with the milder carvone instead of menthol. It is drunk as tea for a full stomach and nausea; studies on concentration are small and inconclusive.
Folk magic and herbal magic+1Folklore
Caution
North America · Food · № 962
Ground plum
Astragalus crassicarpus
A low legume with purple-pink flowers and thick, round pods that lie on the ground like small plums. Only the young pods are edible.
Lakota medicine+1
Caution
Europe · Herb · № 60
Garden angelica
Angelica archangelica
An aromatic bitter traditionally used for bloating, poor appetite and colds. Clinical evidence is limited.
Monastic and folk knowledge+2Folklore
Caution
Asia · Herb · № 142
Guggul
Commiphora wightii (syn. C. mukul)
The resin is used in Ayurveda for joint complaints, overweight and high cholesterol. A US study found no reduction in cholesterol; LDL even rose slightly.
Ayurveda+2
Caution
South America · Herb · № 887
Huamanripa
Laccopetalum giganteum
A giant buttercup with a rosette of thick leaves and large greenish-yellow flowers. Its compounds and effects have barely been studied.
Curanderismo of northern Peru
Caution
North America · Herb · № 994
Indian physic
Gillenia trifoliata (syn. Porteranthus trifoliatus)
A perennial of the rose family with three-parted leaves and loose sprays of white or pale pink flowers with five narrow petals. The root is emetic and purgative; it was listed in the United States Pharmacopeia as American ipecac.
Cherokee medicine
Caution
Asia · Herb · № 126
Jasmine
Jasminum officinale / J. grandiflorum
Best known as a fragrance and in jasmine tea; jasmine aromatherapy is used for relaxation. Medical claims are unproven.
Ayurveda+4Folklore
Caution
South America · Herb · № 1008
Kanlli
Margyricarpus pinnatus
A low, prickly shrublet of the rose family with fine, pinnate leaves and edible white or pink berries ('perlilla'). Root and leaf are regarded as diuretic and astringent; research in people is lacking.
Kallawaya healing knowledge
Caution
Europe · Herb · № 113
White horehound
Marrubium vulgare
A bitter herb traditionally used for coughs with sticky phlegm and bronchitis. In Europe it is recognised as a traditional herbal medicine; clinical evidence is limited.
Greco-Roman medicine+3Folklore
Caution
Africa · Other · № 28
Myrrh
Commiphora myrrha
A gum resin with a long history in medicine, ritual, perfume, and incense. Modern treatment claims are not established.
Ancient Egyptian medicine+6Folklore
Caution
South America · Herb · № 912
Pasuchaca
Geranium ayavacense en Geranium sessiliflorum
Low, rosette-forming cranesbills with a thick root. They contain tannins. Whether the tea lowers blood sugar has not been properly studied in people.
Curanderismo of northern Peru
Caution
North America · Herb · № 956
Fringed sage
Artemisia frigida
A low, silver-grey, strongly scented wormwood shrub. Contains a volatile oil with camphor and cineole and, like other wormwoods, thujone.
Lakota medicine+1
Caution
South America · Herb · № 1014
Queñua
Polylepis (o.a. P. besseri en P. tarapacana)
Gnarled trees and shrubs of the rose family with reddish-brown bark that peels in thin layers and protects against the cold. Nothing has been studied about its effect in people.
Kallawaya healing knowledge
Caution
Asia · Herb · № 140
Sandalwood
Santalum album
Used in Ayurveda as a 'cooling' remedy for skin irritation and urinary complaints; the oil is used in aromatherapy. Clinical evidence is limited.
Ayurveda+6Folklore
Caution
North America · Herb · № 964
Seneca snakeroot
Polygala senega (syn. Senega officinalis)
A low milkwort with white flower spikes. The root contains saponins that loosen phlegm and promote coughing; it is in the European Pharmacopoeia as a cough remedy.
Anishinaabe medicine+1
Caution
Europe · Herb · № 58
Lady's mantle
Alchemilla xanthochlora
An astringent herb used in folk medicine mainly for heavy periods and diarrhoea. There is little clinical research.
Monastic and folk knowledge+1
Caution
Europe · Herb · № 86
Greater plantain
Plantago major
The leaf is traditionally bruised and applied to insect bites, small wounds and grazes, and taken as tea for coughs. Clinical evidence is limited.
Monastic and folk knowledge+9Folklore

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.

From plant to use

Ways to prepare herbs

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Traditions, kitchen and classical formulas

43 traditions

Cultures & traditions

How communities built up and passed on their knowledge of plants, region by region.

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113 recipes

Recipes

Soups, teas and dishes in which herbs play a leading role.

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146 formulas

Chinese formulas

The classical Chinese formulas, also listed by condition.

Treatment by condition →All formulas →