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Last broadcast on Thu, 21 May 2009, 03:25 on BBC One (see all broadcasts).
Synopsis
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.

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
Artichoke and hawthorn bar for healthy cholesterol
Chilli plasters for muscle sprains
Garlic vinegar footbath
Garlic talcum powder for athlete's foot
Cucumber Eye Gel
Plants of the British Isles
The Botanical Society of the British offers flora maps, plant identification guides and archives of botanical publications.
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.
Grow your own
Explore the Royal Horticultural Society's database of plant information and gardening advice.
Credits
- Presenter
- James Wong

