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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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Recipes
Congee with Job's tears and brown riceDaechu-cha, jujube teaSekanjabin, mint vinegar syrupElderflower cordialCacao drink with chilli and vanillaSumac lemonadeHaudenosaunee strawberry juiceOswego teaSpicebush teaManoomin with blueberries and maple syrup
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 792

    Maltose (yi tang)

    Saccharum granorum (maltose)

    Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens qi and spleen, eases pain from cold in the middle and moistens the lungs.

    Chinese medical traditions+1
  • Caution

    South America · Food · № 916

    Algarrobo (Peruvian mesquite)

    Neltuma pallida (syn. Prosopis pallida)

    A thorny tree of the pea family, related to mesquite, with sweet pods full of sugars. With its deep roots the tree holds the dry forest together.

    Curanderismo of northern Peru
  • Caution

    Europe · Food · № 10

    Bergamot

    Citrus bergamia

    The peel yields bergamot oil, a fragrance in perfume and Earl Grey tea. The oil contains bergapten, which makes the skin sensitive to sunlight. Health claims are not well studied.

    Folk magic and herbal magicFolklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 272

    Apricot

    Prunus armeniaca

    Traditionally attributed effects: cough-suppressing, astringent, antibacterial, pain-relieving, diuretic, anti-inflammatory; wild cherry suppresses cough.

    Chinese medical traditions+2
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 523

    Corn mint

    Mentha arvensis

    Traditionally attributed effects: aromatic, carminative, stimulating, antispasmodic, promotes menstruation, antiseptic, stomachic, cooling, diuretic; leaf juice for diarrhoea and dysentery, tea for rheumatism and indigestion.

    Ayurveda+2
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 79

    Elecampane

    Inula helenium

    The root is traditionally used for productive coughs and bronchitis; it is rich in inulin. Clinical evidence is limited.

    Greco-Roman medicine+4
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 997

    American persimmon

    Diospyros virginiana

    A tree of the ebony family, related to the kaki. Unripe, the orange fruits are so astringent that they pucker the mouth, but after the first frost they are sweet and soft. They are rich in vitamin C. Bark and unripe fruits contain many tannins.

    Cherokee medicine
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 349

    Amla

    Phyllanthus emblica

    Traditionally attributed effects: fresh fruit cooling, diuretic, laxative, stomachic; bark astringent; for lung and eye inflammation, hair growth, asthma, bronchitis, bile complaints, bleeding, diarrhoea, dysentery, anaemia, jaundice.

    Ayurveda+2
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 197

    Carnation

    Dianthus spp.

    The clove pink has fragrant, edible petals. In Chinese medicine the related Dianthus superbus (qu mai) is used for bladder infections; no medicinal effect is described for the garden carnation.

    Folk magic and herbal magic+1Folklore
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 371

    Gum arabic (acacia)

    Acacia senegal

    A soluble fibre that forms a mucilaginous solution in water. It soothes the throat and stomach and is being studied as a prebiotic; it can cause wind and bloating. There is no evidence that it treats viral infections such as HPV.

    Ancient Egyptian medicine+2
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 67

    Borage

    Borago officinalis

    The seed oil, rich in gamma-linolenic acid, has been studied for eczema and joint inflammation with mixed results. The leaf was traditionally used to reduce fever and as a tonic.

    Western herbal medicine+2
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 372

    Bloodroot

    Sanguinaria canadensis

    Traditionally attributed effects: stimulating, emetic, expectorant, restorative; part of escharotic treatment for cervical dysplasia, warms lungs/stomach/uterus, promotes coughing up.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+4
  • Caution

    Europe · Food · № 255

    Blackberry

    Rubus fruticosus

    Traditionally attributed effects: astringent; for damp stomach and bowel complaints, diarrhoea, mucus; syrup or liqueur against sore throat.

    Western herbal medicine+1Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 572

    Chinese jujube

    Zizyphus vulgaris

    Traditionally attributed effects: diuretic, lowers blood sugar, soothing, soothing to the chest.

    Ayurveda+3
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 471

    Crepe ginger

    Costus speciosus

    Traditionally attributed effects: bitter, astringent, stimulating, aids digestion, expels worms, cleansing, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory; for fever with catarrh, cough, indigestion, worms, skin diseases, snake bites.

    Ayurveda+1
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 188

    Maple

    Acer spp.

    Maple syrup is the boiled-down sap of the sugar maple. It consists mainly of sugar and some minerals, such as manganese; it is a sweetener, not a medicine.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+3Folklore
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 118

    Fenugreek

    Trigonella foenum-graecum

    The seed has been studied for blood sugar and for increasing breast milk. NCCIH reports there is not enough strong evidence for these uses.

    Ancient Egyptian medicine+5Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 87

    Cowslip

    Primula veris

    The root contains saponins and is traditionally used to loosen phlegm in coughs; the flowers as a calming tea. There is some research on combination cough preparations.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+1
  • 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

    Europe · Herb · № 59

    Marshmallow

    Althaea officinalis

    Root and leaf are rich in mucilage that forms a soothing layer; used for dry coughs, throat irritation and an irritated stomach. Evidence is modest.

    Greco-Roman medicine+3Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 78

    Hyssop

    Hyssopus officinalis

    Traditionally used for coughs, colds and congestion. Clinical evidence is lacking.

    Western herbal medicine+2Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 508

    Indian sarsaparilla

    Hemidesmus indicus

    Traditionally attributed effects: cleansing, tonic, soothing, induces sweating and urination, purifies the blood; for lack of appetite, indigestion, fever, skin diseases, syphilis, leucorrhoea, urogenital diseases, chronic cough, rheumatic joints.

    Ayurveda
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 566

    Indian squill

    Urginea indica

    Traditionally attributed effects: in small doses expectorant, stimulates the heart, diuretic, decongestant, promotes menstruation; in large doses emetic and laxative.

    Ayurveda+1
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 127

    Japanese honeysuckle

    Lonicera japonica en L. periclymenum

    The flower buds (jin yin hua) are an important 'cooling' herb in Chinese medicine for fever, sore throats and colds. There is plenty of laboratory research but few good clinical studies.

    Chinese medical traditions+3
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 723

    Loquat leaf (pi pa ye)

    Eriobotrya japonica

    Traditionally attributed effects: cools hot phlegm in the lungs and makes rebellious lung and stomach energy descend.

    Chinese medical traditions+2
  • 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

    Asia · Herb · № 402

    Sweet flag

    Acorus calamus

    Traditionally attributed effects: carminative, tonic, stimulating; restores throat and voice (singers), improves concentration/clear thinking, for flatulence and heartburn.

    Ayurveda+4
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 116

    Khella

    Ammi visnaga

    Contains khellin, a muscle relaxant that widens the airways and blood vessels. Khellin was the basis for modern drugs such as cromoglicate (for asthma) and amiodarone (for heart rhythm disorders).

    Ancient Egyptian medicine+1
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 207

    Corn poppy

    Papaver rhoeas

    Traditionally attributed effects: mildly narcotic in large amounts; Papaver somniferum (source of opium) is poisonous.

    Folk magic and herbal magicFolklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 100

    Coltsfoot

    Tussilago farfara

    One of the oldest cough herbs; the leaf contains soothing mucilage. Because of its toxic alkaloids it is now advised against.

    Greco-Roman medicine+3
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 102

    Great mullein

    Verbascum thapsus

    Leaves and flowers contain mucilage and are traditionally used for irritating coughs and bronchitis; the flower oil for earache. Clinical evidence is limited.

    Greco-Roman medicine+4
  • Caution

    Europe · Food · № 68

    Cabbage

    Brassica oleracea

    A vegetable rich in vitamin C and fibre. In folk medicine cold cabbage leaves are placed on engorged breasts or painful joints; small studies give mixed results.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+2Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 238

    Lime

    Citrus aurantiifolia

    A sour citrus fruit rich in vitamin C. The juice was given against scurvy and is used in Asia with honey or salt for coughs and sore throat.

    Jamu in Indonesia+1Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 131

    Sacred lotus

    Nelumbo nucifera

    Almost every part is used: seeds for diarrhoea and restlessness, rhizome as food, leaf for 'summer heat'. Scientific evidence is mostly laboratory research.

    Ayurveda+3Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 211

    Sweet violet

    Viola odorata

    Traditionally attributed effects: V. odorata anti-inflammatory, expectorant, diuretic, antitumour; V. tricolor expectorant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antirheumatic, laxative, strengthens capillaries.

    Western herbal medicine+3Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 113

    White horehound

    Marrubium vulgare

    A bitter herb traditionally used for coughs with sticky phlegm and bronchitis. In Europe it is recognised as a traditional herbal medicine; clinical evidence is limited.

    Greco-Roman medicine+3Folklore
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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