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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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5 results

  • Caution

    Oceania · Food · № 51

    Mānuka honey

    A monofloral honey with distinctive compounds such as leptosperin and methylglyoxal. Ordinary food honey is not a treatment.

    Rongoā Māori+1
  • Caution

    Oceania · Herb · № 175

    Tarata (lemonwood)

    Pittosporum eugenioides

    Mainly a fragrant plant: leaves, flowers and gum smell of lemon. Medicinal uses have not been studied.

    Rongoā Māori
  • Caution

    Oceania · Herb · № 23

    Kawakawa

    Piper excelsum

    In rongoā Māori the leaf is used for toothache, skin complaints, wounds and bladder and kidney complaints. It contains myristicin among other compounds; clinical evidence for these uses is lacking.

    Rongoā Māori+1
  • Caution

    Oceania · Herb · № 52

    Kūmarahou

    Pomaderris kumeraho

    A plant in traditional Māori medicine; there is little scientific confirmation of its benefits.

    Rongoā Māori+1
  • 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
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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