From Ayurveda to Rongoā Māori
Communities around the world learned how plants nourish, care and heal. Here their traditions stand beside present-day use, with respect for every culture.
GrapeFolk magic and herbal magic
BuchuLocal African healing traditions
Indian tobaccoCherokee medicine
Lignum vitaeHerbal knowledge of the Caribbean
Yerba mateKallawaya healing knowledge
CautionAsia · Herb · № 405
Alangium salviifolium
Traditionally attributed effects: expels worms, laxative, emetic, diuretic; antidote in poisoning, for diarrhoea, leprosy and skin diseases, dog bites, worms, acute rheumatism.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 138
Salvia miltiorrhiza
The red root is used in Chinese medicine to 'promote blood circulation', especially for heart and vascular complaints. There are many studies in China, often of limited quality.
CautionCentral America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 820
Artemisia ludoviciana
A bitter, aromatic herb used in Mexico for stomach ache and digestive complaints.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 380
Salvia sclarea
The essential oil is used in relaxing baths and massages. A small study pointed to a relaxing effect when inhaled; the evidence is limited.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 956
Artemisia frigida
A low, silver-grey, strongly scented wormwood shrub. Contains a volatile oil with camphor and cineole and, like other wormwoods, thujone.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 45
Salvia officinalis
A culinary herb. A few small studies suggest possible effects on memory and blood lipids, but evidence is limited.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 334
Teucrium scorodonia
Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, induces sweating, antirheumatic, carminative, wound-healing, promotes bile.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 823
Salvia apiana
An aromatic sage burned in ceremonies by Indigenous peoples of California.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 34
Hydrastis canadensis
There is not enough evidence to determine whether goldenseal helps any health condition.
CautionNorth America · Food · № 962
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.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 60
Angelica archangelica
An aromatic bitter traditionally used for bloating, poor appetite and colds. Clinical evidence is limited.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 113
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.
CautionAfrica · Other · № 28
Commiphora myrrha
A gum resin with a long history in medicine, ritual, perfume, and incense. Modern treatment claims are not established.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 629
Ephedra viridis, E. nevadensis, E. californica
Traditionally attributed effects: opens the surface in wind-cold with sneezing and a watery nose, mildly eases wheezing and promotes urination.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 153
Ligusticum porteri, L. sinense en L. wallichii
The root is traditionally used for sore throats, coughs and early colds. There is virtually no clinical research.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 89
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.
CautionCentral America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 905
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.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 964
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.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 98
Thymus vulgaris
Traditionally used for coughs and bronchitis; thymol from the oil inhibits bacteria and fungi in the laboratory. There are some studies of thyme-based cough syrups.
Featured · Central America and the Caribbean · Curanderismo
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.
Read moreFrom plant to use
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43 traditions
How communities built up and passed on their knowledge of plants, region by region.
113 recipes
Soups, teas and dishes in which herbs play a leading role.
146 formulas
The classical Chinese formulas, also listed by condition.