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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

  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 812

    African potato

    Hypoxis hemerocallidea

    A corm widely traded as a tonic. The evidence for its effects is weak.

    Traditional healers of Southern Africa
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 810

    African wormwood

    Artemisia afra

    A bitter, aromatic herb widely used in southern Africa for coughs, colds, fever and flu.

    Traditional healers of Southern Africa
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 811

    Cancer bush (sutherlandia)

    Lessertia frutescens (syn. Sutherlandia frutescens)

    A shrub used as a tonic and for a range of complaints. Claims against cancer or HIV are unproven.

    Khoi and San knowledge of rooibos+1
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 813

    Pepper-bark tree

    Warburgia salutaris

    A tree with a peppery, pungent bark, traditionally used for colds, coughs and mouth complaints.

    Traditional healers of Southern Africa
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 29

    Umckaloabo (African geranium)

    Pelargonium sidoides

    Root extract is sold for respiratory complaints. A Cochrane review found little to no evidence of benefit for acute bronchitis, colds, or sinusitis.

    Traditional healers of Southern Africa
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 26

    Buchu

    Agathosma betulina

    Fragrant leaves used as a flavoring and in folk medicine; clinical evidence for treatment is lacking.

    Local African healing traditions+3
  • 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

    Africa · Food · № 360

    Bottle gourd

    Lagenaria siceraria

    Young fruits are eaten as a mild, easily digestible vegetable. Medical claims, for example about the heart or peace of mind, have not been studied.

    Local African healing traditions+2
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 808

    Hoodia

    Hoodia gordonii

    A succulent whose stem the San chewed against hunger and thirst. Not proven as a slimming aid.

    Khoi and San knowledge of rooibos
  • Caution

    Africa · Food · № 11

    Rooibos

    Aspalathus linearis

    A caffeine-free herbal infusion used as a beverage; it is not an established treatment.

    Khoi and San knowledge of rooibos+1
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 921

    Wild dagga

    Leonotis leonurus

    A shrub of the mint family, two to three metres tall, with orange, tubular flowers in whorls around the square stems. Contains marrubiin and leonurine, as well as labdane compounds. Considered mildly calming; which substance causes the effect is not yet clear.

    Khoi and San knowledge of rooibos+1
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 911

    Canchalagua

    Schkuhria pinnata

    A small, finely branched annual herb of the daisy family with tiny yellow flowers. It tastes bitter. There is laboratory research on compounds that act on blood sugar, but studies in people are lacking.

    Curanderismo of northern Peru
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 697

    Hyacinth bean (bian dou)

    Lablab purpureus (syn. Dolichos lablab)

    Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens the spleen and drains dampness in summer heat with diarrhoea and vomiting.

    Chinese medical traditions
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 39

    Neem

    Azadirachta indica

    Used for centuries in traditional medicine in India, but there is insufficient clinical evidence of medical benefits.

    Ayurveda+3
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 487

    Horse gram

    Dolichos biflorus

    Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, diuretic, tonic, fever-reducing, expels worms, promotes menstruation, dissolves stones; for haemorrhoids, bronchitis, heart complaints, kidney stones, enlarged spleen, hiccups, asthma, leucoderma, leucorrhoea, menstrual cramps.

    Ayurveda
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 108

    Barberry

    Berberis vulgaris

    Bark and root contain berberine, which is being studied for blood sugar and cholesterol. The berries are rich in vitamin C. Evidence for barberry itself is limited.

    Western herbal medicine
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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