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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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3 results

  • Caution

    Oceania · Herb · № 847

    Mamaku (black tree fern)

    Sphaeropteris medullaris

    The slimy pith and sap of this black tree fern were traditionally used on sores and wounds, and for diarrhoea.

    Rongoā Māori
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 755

    Cibotium (gou ji)

    Cibotium barometz

    Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens kidney yang, bones and tendons in a stiff, painful lower back and knees.

    Chinese medical traditions
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 1003

    Calaguala

    Campyloneurum angustifolium (en verwante varens, o.a. Polypodium)

    A narrow-leaved fern that grows on trees and rocks. The rhizome has been traded as a medicine for centuries; good research on its effect in people is lacking.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
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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