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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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12 results

  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 225

    Chicory

    Cichorium intybus

    Traditionally attributed effects: diuretic, laxative, tonic.

    Western herbal medicine+2
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 899

    Prickly sow-thistle

    Sonchus asper

    An annual or biennial plant with spiny, blue-green leaves, yellow dandelion-like flowers and milky sap in the stem. The leaves are edible and nutritious.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge
  • Caution

    Europe · Food · № 296

    Globe artichoke

    Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus

    Traditionally attributed effects: liver tonic and restorative, promotes bile.

    Western herbal medicine
  • Caution

    Europe · Food · № 270

    Chives

    Allium schoenoprasum

    A mild onion herb with vitamin C and sulphur compounds. A medicinal effect has not been shown.

    Monastic and folk knowledge
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 635

    Chinese yam (shan yao)

    Dioscorea polystachya (syn. D. opposita)

    Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens spleen, stomach and lungs, helps regulate the hormone system in women and is said to lower blood sugar.

    Chinese medical traditions+2
  • 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

    Asia · Food · № 518

    Ridged gourd

    Luffa acutangula

    Traditionally attributed effects: soothing, diuretic, bitter tonic, nourishing, expectorant, lowers blood sugar; seeds emetic and laxative; for enlarged spleen, dysentery; leaves on ulcers, ringworm, haemorrhoids, leprosy, insect and snake bites.

    Ayurveda
  • Caution

    Europe · Food · № 68

    Cabbage

    Brassica oleracea

    A vegetable rich in vitamin C and fibre. In folk medicine cold cabbage leaves are placed on engorged breasts or painful joints; small studies give mixed results.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+2Folklore
  • Caution

    North America · Food · № 936

    Ramps

    Allium tricoccum

    A wild leek with broad leaves and a small bulb, related to European wild garlic. Leaves and bulb taste of onion and garlic.

    Haudenosaunee medicine+1
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 258

    Lettuce

    Lactuca sativa

    A juicy leaf vegetable with some vitamin K and folate. The milky sap of the stem is mildly calming, but much weaker than that of wild lettuce.

    Ancient Egyptian medicine+1Folklore
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Food · № 157

    Tomato

    Solanum lycopersicum

    A fruit-vegetable with vitamin C and lycopene. Research on lycopene and heart or prostate health is mostly observational and not conclusive.

    Maya healing knowledge+4Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Food · № 654

    Watercress

    Nasturtium officinale

    Traditionally attributed effects: rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene and vitamin E; used to support detoxification, cool body heat and support the lungs.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+1
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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