Ethnobotanist James Wong returns to BBC Two with a one-hour Christmas special of Grow Your Own Drugs. He delves into the origins of our favourite Christmas plants and shows us how to think entirely differently about how we make use of them in the build-up to Christmas. James demonstrates how traditional Christmas plants can be made into natural remedies, recipes and original hand-made presents to see you through the Christmas season.
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
Third 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.
In 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.