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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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Stress, anxiety, hysteria and insomnia
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 582

    Canadian goldenrod

    Solidago canadensis

    Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing; heals the bladder wall (incontinence, irritation), for allergies and stuck mucus after a cold, eyewash for hay fever.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+2
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Other · № 817

    Copal

    Protium copal

    Resin from tropical trees that is burned as incense at ceremonies.

    Maya healing knowledge+1
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 163

    Guarana

    Paullinia cupana

    The seeds contain about twice as much caffeine as coffee beans. Guarana is used in energy drinks and soft drinks; its stimulating effect comes from caffeine.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+2
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 918

    Ishpingo

    Nectandra spp. (en verwante laurierachtigen, o.a. Ocotea en Aiouea)

    Trees of the laurel family with fragrant seeds and bark. Little is known about the substances in the seeds and their effect in people.

    Curanderismo of northern Peru
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 884

    Peruvian elder

    Sambucus peruviana

    A tree with white flower umbels and dark berries, related to the European elder. Flowers and leaves are considered sweat-inducing and anti-inflammatory.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+1
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 822

    Pirul (Peruvian pepper tree)

    Schinus molle

    A tree with aromatic leaves and pink berries, used in cleansing rituals and as a folk remedy.

    Curanderismo+2
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 1012

    Roq'e

    Colletia spinosissima

    A thorny shrub with green thorns set crosswise and hardly any leaves. It lives together with nitrogen-fixing Frankia bacteria. The bark contains saponins; little has been studied about its effect in people.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 982

    Souroubea

    Souroubea guianensis

    A low shrub or climber of the Marcgraviaceae family, with nectar cups that attract butterflies and moths. From two related Central American species (S. sympetala and S. gilgii) researchers isolated substances that reduce anxiety in animals: betulinic acid and amyrins. In people this has hardly been studied.

    Tukano medicine
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 242

    Rue

    Ruta graveolens

    Traditionally attributed effects: antiseptic, stimulating, promotes menstruation, expectorant, antispasmodic, expels worms (children); strengthens capillaries (rutin); for hysteria, flatulence and colic, incipient paralysis, indigestion; oil diuretic and skin-irritant.

    Greco-Roman medicine+6Folklore
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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