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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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7 results

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Chinese formulas
Cang er zi san
Treatment by condition
Allergies of the upper airways
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 632

    Yerba mansa

    Anemopsis californica

    Traditionally attributed effects: expels wind and dampness in joint pain that worsens in cold, wet weather, opens blocked sinuses and dries dampness in slow-healing wounds and swellings.

    Curanderismo+2
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 628

    North American wild ginger

    Asarum caudatum, A. canadense en verwante soorten

    Traditionally attributed effects: expels wind-cold, opens a blocked nose, warms the lung in cough with clear phlegm and expels cold and dampness in menstrual pain and other pain.

    Haudenosaunee medicine+4
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 14

    Echinacea

    Echinacea purpurea

    Studied for colds and respiratory infections. It may slightly reduce the chance of catching a cold; effects on duration and other conditions are uncertain.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+5Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 655

    Magnolia flower bud (xin yi hua)

    Magnolia biondii (syn. M. liliflora)

    Traditionally attributed effects: warms and opens the nose in blocked sinuses and headache from wind-cold.

    Chinese medical traditions+1
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 716

    Cocklebur fruit (cang er zi)

    Xanthium strumarium (syn. X. sibiricum)

    Traditionally attributed effects: opens the nose in sinusitis and expels wind and dampness in pain and itching.

    Chinese medical traditions
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 328

    Tormentil

    Potentilla erecta

    Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, especially for the intestinal wall.

    Western herbal medicine
  • Caution

    Europe · Food · № 21

    Elderberry

    Sambucus nigra

    Berries have a folk-use history for cold and flu symptoms; clinical evidence remains preliminary.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+4Folklore
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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