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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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6 results

  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 97

    Dandelion

    Taraxacum officinale

    The leaf is mildly diuretic; the bitter root was used for the liver and digestion. NCCIH notes there is little human research.

    Avicenna's Canon in European universities+6Folklore
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 1014

    Queñua

    Polylepis (o.a. P. besseri en P. tarapacana)

    Gnarled trees and shrubs of the rose family with reddish-brown bark that peels in thin layers and protects against the cold. Nothing has been studied about its effect in people.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 877

    Tara

    Tara spinosa (syn. Caesalpinia spinosa)

    A thorny tree with red pods that are very rich in tannins. In laboratory tests, extracts of the pods inhibited several bacteria.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+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

    Asia · Herb · № 407

    Camel thorn

    Alhagi pseudalhagi

    Traditionally attributed effects: laxative, diuretic, expectorant; for urinary retention, corneal clouding; manna tonic, promotes bile, purifies the blood.

    Ayurveda+1
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 903

    Peyote

    Lophophora williamsii

    A small, spineless, blue-green cactus with a long taproot. Contains mescaline and over thirty other alkaloids. After a few hours mescaline brings colourful visions that last up to half a day, often after a phase of nausea and vomiting.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America
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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