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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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Chinese formulas
Guan xin su he wan
  • Caution

    Asia · Other · № 771

    Oriental sweetgum (su he xiang)

    Liquidambar orientalis

    Traditionally attributed effects: the resin opens the sense orifices and relieves pain with a tight chest.

    Chinese medical traditions
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 410

    Rasamala

    Altingia excelsa

    Traditionally attributed effects: stimulating, expectorant, pain-relieving, carminative, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic; for throat complaints, scabies, leucoderma, colic in children, inflamed testicle.

    Ayurveda+1
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 992

    American sweetgum

    Liquidambar styraciflua

    A tall tree with star-shaped leaves, splendid autumn colours and spiky round seed balls. When the bark is wounded a fragrant resin, American storax, seeps out; for centuries it has gone into ointments, perfume and incense. The resin is mildly antiseptic.

    Cherokee 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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From plant to use

Ways to prepare herbs

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Traditions, kitchen and classical formulas