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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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16 results

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Chinese formulas
Zhu sha an shen wanCi zhu wan
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 77

    Hops

    Humulus lupulus

    The cones are traditionally used for restlessness and sleep problems, often with valerian. There are hints of a mild sedative effect, but evidence is limited.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+2Folklore
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 154

    Passionflower

    Passiflora incarnata

    Used for anxiety and sleep problems. NCCIH notes some indications of an effect on anxiety but limited evidence.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+3Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 20

    Valerian

    Valeriana officinalis

    The root has a traditional association with sleep and calm. Research on insomnia is inconsistent and does not establish benefit.

    Western herbal medicine+1Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 17

    Ashwagandha

    Withania somnifera

    An Ayurvedic medicinal plant. Some preparations have been studied for stress and sleep, but evidence is limited and products vary.

    Ayurveda+2
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 740

    Corydalis (yan hu suo)

    Corydalis yanhusuo

    Traditionally attributed effects: moves blood and qi and is an important pain-relieving herb.

    Chinese medical traditions
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 85

    Lemon balm

    Melissa officinalis

    Traditionally used for restlessness, sleep problems and a nervous stomach; externally for cold sores. Small studies suggest a mild calming effect, but evidence is limited.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+7Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 333

    Wild lettuce

    Lactuca virosa

    Traditionally attributed effects: calming, lowers blood sugar, sleep-inducing, suppresses libido.

    Western herbal medicine
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Food · № 257

    Grapefruit

    Citrus × paradisi

    A citrus fruit rich in vitamin C. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice inhibit enzymes that break down many medicines. The essential oil is used in skin and hair products, but effects on cellulite or hair growth have not been shown.

    Western herbal medicine
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 82

    Motherwort

    Leonurus cardiaca

    Traditionally used for stress-related palpitations, nervousness and menstrual complaints. Clinical research is scarce.

    Western herbal medicine+1
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 130

    Spikenard (jatamansi)

    Nardostachys jatamansi

    Used in Ayurveda as a calming remedy for insomnia and restlessness. There is mostly animal research; clinical evidence is lacking.

    Ayurveda+4
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 19

    Chamomile

    Matricaria chamomilla (Duitse kamille)

    Flowers are used in teas and topical or oral products. Reliable evidence is insufficient for most claimed conditions.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+7Folklore
  • Caution

    Oceania · Herb · № 7

    Kava

    Piper methysticum

    The drink slightly numbs the mouth and tongue and is relaxing. Research points to a modest effect on anxiety, but results vary and the safety of supplements is disputed.

    Kava in Pacific island traditions+2
  • Caution

    Oceania · Herb · № 273

    Manuka and kanuka

    Leptospermum scoparium en Kunzea ericoides

    Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, antimicrobial, antiseptic, expels worms (leptospermone); for ulcers, infections and fever.

    Rongoā Māori+2
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 181

    Indian snakeroot

    Rauvolfia serpentina

    The root contains reserpine, which lowers blood pressure and has a sedative effect. In the 1950s reserpine was one of the first modern antihypertensives and antipsychotics, but it has largely been replaced by drugs with fewer side effects.

    Ayurveda+2
  • 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

    Asia · Herb · № 767

    Sour jujube seed (suan zao ren)

    Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa

    Traditionally attributed effects: nourishes heart yin and calms the mind in insomnia and restlessness; curbs night sweats.

    Chinese medical traditions+2
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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