Description

Grow Your Own DrugsGrow Your Own Drugs is a BBC television documentary series, broadcasting on BBC2, exploring the many remedies which can be provided by plants. James Wong, an ethnobotanist, presents the series and takes the view that people should start making their own remedies in order to save money and feel healthier plus providing simple remedies to everyday ailments. Wong tries out his remedies on members of the public in order to demonstrate the beneficial effects of natural remedies, adding appropriate safety warnings. He is careful to stress that viewers should always seek medical advice before trying natural medicines, and in discussing the outcomes of treatment always states “It’s not a clinical trial…” and acknowledges that results might be attributed to a placebo effect.Episode 1 – FruitMany people think of plants as purely ornamental, something to brighten up back gardens and window boxes, but in this six-part series, ethnobotanist James Wong demonstrates how to transform familiar plants into simple natural remedies that could help ease the symptoms of minor everyday ailments, as well as how to make some pampering beauty treatments.In this opening episode, James reveals that there is more to some fruit than just the nutritional value. He uses figs to relieve constipation, hops for a good night’s sleep, turns kiwis and papayas into a soothing face mask and uses goji berries in a soup that could help feed a cold – and all from things that might be found in any fruit bowl.James tries out his remedies on members of the public, with some surprising results.Episode 2 – FlowersIn the second episode of this six-part series exploring plant-based natural remedies and beauty treatments, ethnobotanist James Wong turns the spotlight on flowers.He reveals the historical use of marigolds, violas and elderflowers as ways to help relieve the symptoms of everyday ailments such as sore throats, acne and eczema. Sufferers of each of these, who are keen to find a natural solution to their health problems, try out James’s remedies.Episode 3 – TreesThird episode of the six-part series exploring plant-based natural remedies and beauty treatments.Ethnobotanist James Wong focuses on trees. His recipes for natural tree remedies include a soothing gel for varicose veins made from conkers, a fragrant cologne made from pine, a lotion to tackle head lice and a traditional tea which could help improve memory function.It is a fascinating mix of gardening, science and history, and the volunteers who try James’s remedies find out if they can actually help.Episode 4 – HerbsFourth episode of the six-part series exploring plant-based natural remedies and beauty treatments.Most people use herbs to give food a bit of extra taste and flavour, but in this episode, ethnobotanist James Wong explores their more traditional use in helping treat a range of minor everyday ailments, from cold sores and insect bites to bad breath. Sufferers try them out to see if these natural remedies help relieve their symptoms.James also uses peppermint to whip up a fragrant homemade body scrub.Episode 5 – RootsFifth episode of the six-part series exploring plant-based natural remedies and beauty treatments.James Wong focuses on what he considers the unsung heroes of the plant world – roots. Using valerian, ginger and marshmallow he creates tasty treats to help combat stress, soothe coughs and relieve nausea and reveals the traditional uses of echinacea to fight off infection.Episode 6 – VegesThe final episode of the series exploring plant-based natural remedies and beauty treatments.Ethnobotanist James Wong shows viewers how to grow and transform common vegetables into treatments which might help ease muscle sprains and make a great addition to a low cholesterol diet. James also turns cucumbers into a soothing eye gel for sufferers to try.