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Grow Your Own Drugs, Series 1 Episode 1 of 6

Duration: 30 minutes

Many 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.

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  • Further information about the programme

    James doesn't believe natural remedies are a replacement for conventional drugs, but they have been used traditionally to ease the symptoms of a range of minor self-limiting disorders. Many plant-based remedies are not clinically tested like conventional drugs because they are traditional recipes that companies cannot patent. If you want to give them a go, just make sure you follow a few common sense guidelines.

    Before you try any of the remedies, make sure you get a proper diagnosis from your doctor. If you have any other existing condition or are taking medicines, or if you are pregnant or breast feeding, then you should take medical advice before using the remedies. You must make sure you follow the recipe closely as well as the advice on dosage, and do a 24-hour skin test to check you are not allergic.

    You will find most of the plants James uses in your own back garden, your fridge or at your local garden centre, but some are found in the wild and could be confused with toxic plants. It is vital you know exactly what you are picking, so use a good plant reference book.

    In the series, people who suffer from various everyday ailments try James’s remedies. These are illustrative examples and are not clinical trials. Their opinions are subjective and do not prove if the remedies are effective. Many factors can influence results and the remedies might work for some and not others.

  • This week's recipes

    Syrup of figs for constipation
    Goji berry and chicken soup for colds and flu
    Hops pillow for insomnia
    Kiwi and papaya face mask

    View this week's recipes

  • Plants of the British Isles

    The Botanical Society of the British Isles offers flora maps, plant identification guides and archives of botanical publications.

    Botanical Society of the British Isles

  • Plant Conservation

    Botanic Gardens Conservation International is a global network of botanic gardens working for plant conservation and undertaking medicinal plant research around the world.

    Botanic Gardens Conservation International

  • Grow your own

    Explore the Royal Horticultural Society's database of plant information and gardening advice.

    Royal Horticultural Society

Credits

Presenter
James Wong

Broadcasts

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