From Ayurveda to Rongoā Māori
Communities around the world learned how plants nourish, care and heal. Here their traditions stand beside present-day use, with respect for every culture.
GrapeFolk magic and herbal magic
BuchuLocal African healing traditions
Indian tobaccoCherokee medicine
Lignum vitaeHerbal knowledge of the Caribbean
Yerba mateKallawaya healing knowledge
CautionAsia · Herb · № 567
Valeriana jatamansi
Traditionally attributed effects: stomachic, stimulating, carminative, calming; for nervous weakness, insomnia, chorea, stomach cramps, hysteria, epilepsy, shell shock and neurosis.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 20
Valeriana officinalis
The root has a traditional association with sleep and calm. Research on insomnia is inconsistent and does not establish benefit.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 628
Asarum caudatum, A. canadense en verwante soorten
Traditionally attributed effects: expels wind-cold, opens a blocked nose, warms the lung in cough with clear phlegm and expels cold and dampness in menstrual pain and other pain.
CautionEurope · Herb · № 77
Humulus lupulus
The cones are traditionally used for restlessness and sleep problems, often with valerian. There are hints of a mild sedative effect, but evidence is limited.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 130
Nardostachys jatamansi
Used in Ayurveda as a calming remedy for insomnia and restlessness. There is mostly animal research; clinical evidence is lacking.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 154
Passiflora incarnata
Used for anxiety and sleep problems. NCCIH notes some indications of an effect on anxiety but limited evidence.
CautionAsia · Herb · № 685
Patrinia scabiosifolia (en P. villosa)
Traditionally attributed effects: detoxifies, drains pus and moves the blood in pain with heat.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 586
Cypripedium parviflorum (syn. C. pubescens)
Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens the nerves, antispasmodic, tonic, relaxing, diuretic; for menstrual pain and irregular menstruation, overstimulated nerves and insomnia from stress, pain-relieving.
CautionNorth America · Herb · № 150
Actaea racemosa
Mainly sold for menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes. NCCIH reports that study results are mixed and there is not enough evidence that it helps.
Featured · Central America and the Caribbean · Curanderismo
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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43 traditions
How communities built up and passed on their knowledge of plants, region by region.
113 recipes
Soups, teas and dishes in which herbs play a leading role.
146 formulas
The classical Chinese formulas, also listed by condition.