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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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7 results

  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 968

    Western dock

    Rumex occidentalis (syn. R. aquaticus var. fenestratus)

    A large dock with broad leaves and a yellow root. The root contains tannins and anthraquinones, which are mildly laxative.

    Kwakwaka'wakw medicine
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 338

    Yellow dock

    Rumex crispus

    Traditionally attributed effects: strongly laxative, promotes bile, cleansing.

    Western herbal medicine+1
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 593

    Skunk cabbage

    Lysichiton americanus

    Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens the nerves, stimulating, antispasmodic, induces sweating, expectorant; opens the lungs and reduces cough and bronchial spasms (acute asthma), ointment against ringworm, relieves muscle and joint pain.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+2
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 630

    California figwort

    Scrophularia californica, S. lanceolata

    Traditionally attributed effects: cools heat in the blood and nourishes yin, drains damp heat and disperses swellings.

    Chinese medical traditions+1
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 62

    Greater burdock

    Arctium lappa

    In Europe the root was considered a 'blood-cleansing' herb for skin problems such as eczema and acne; the seed is used in Chinese medicine for sore throats. Clinical evidence is weak.

    Western herbal medicine+5
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 92

    Figwort

    Scrophularia nodosa (en S. ningpoensis)

    Used in Western herbalism for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis and for swollen glands. There is no good clinical evidence.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+2
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 586

    Lady's slipper

    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.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+4
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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