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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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8 results

  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 969

    Western hemlock

    Tsuga heterophylla

    A large conifer with a drooping top and short, flat needles. The bark is very rich in tannins; the young needles contain vitamin C.

    Kwakwaka'wakw medicine
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 836

    Poison hemlock

    Conium maculatum

    A deadly poisonous member of the carrot family. Its poison, coniine, paralyses the muscles, including those used for breathing.

    Greco-Roman medicine
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 631

    Brewer's angelica

    Angelica breweri, A. arguta, A. hendersonii

    Traditionally attributed effects: expels wind, dampness and cold in stiff, painful joints, opens the surface in wind-cold and moves qi and blood in pain.

    Chinese medical traditions+1
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 60

    Garden angelica

    Angelica archangelica

    An aromatic bitter traditionally used for bloating, poor appetite and colds. Clinical evidence is limited.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+2Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 81

    Juniper

    Juniperus communis

    The berries are traditionally used as a diuretic, for digestive complaints and externally for joint pain. Clinical evidence is limited.

    Western herbal medicine+5Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 834

    Chervil

    Anthriscus cerefolium

    A mild, aniseed-like kitchen herb, traditionally used as a cleansing spring herb and for digestive complaints.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+1
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 153

    Osha

    Ligusticum porteri, L. sinense en L. wallichii

    The root is traditionally used for sore throats, coughs and early colds. There is virtually no clinical research.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+3
  • Caution

    Europe · Food · № 259

    Carrot

    Daucus carota

    Traditionally attributed effects: stimulating, diuretic, tonic, carminative; expels kidney and bladder stones, relieves lower back pain from the kidneys, reduces oedema, restores the bladder, stimulates digestion; seed traditionally as a contraceptive.

    Western herbal medicine+4Folklore
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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