Kew: The Apothecary's Garden - The science and mythology of medicinal plants

For centuries we have harnessed the ancient wisdom of botanical healing, with plants used for a multitude of remedies that nurture both body and soul.

Kew: The Apothecary's Garden is a fascinating exploration of nature's pharmacy and the healing power of plants, from soothing hops, chamomile and valerian, and invigorating guarana, maca and ginseng, to the infection-fighting turmeric and tea tree and the immunity-boosting turkey tail mushroom. Herbal remedies, natural tinctures, and the historical and botanical background of plants are revealed through expert text and beautiful illustrations from the renowned Kew archive.

This curious history of plants that heal describes the incredible properties of over 60 species. Exploring the original folk remedies they inspired and the science behind them, this is the weird and wonderful story of how humans have harnessed nature's apothecary.

About the author

Emma Wayland is a journalist, writer and lecturer. Her postgraduate research at Imperial College, London, and in the Department of History and Philosophy of Science, Cambridge, concerned how Victorian gardeners made use of new scientific ideas. As Emma Townshend she was the Independent on Sunday's gardening columnist for 10 years, and for the last 15 years she has been part of the team of volunteer tour guides at Kew, interpreting the Gardens for visitors. She lives in London.

Summary

A fascinating exploration of nature's pharmacy and the healing power of plants.

Foreword

A fascinating exploration of nature's pharmacy and the healing power of plants.

Product details

• Authors: Emma Wayland, Welbeck
• Publisher: Headline Book
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 24.04.2025
• EAN: 9781035422203
• ISBN: 978-1-03-542220-3
• No. of pages: 208
• Dimensions: 75 mm x 65 mm x 25 mm
• Weight: 560 g
• Illustrations: Approx. 200 colour illustrations
• Series: A Quick Ting On; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > Nature, technology > Nature: general, reference works; Medicine, Nature / Plants / Flowers, GARDENING / Flowers / General, HEALTH & FITNESS / Herbal Medications, MEDICAL / Pharmacy, Popular medicine & health, History of Medicine, Gardening: plants, Gardening: flowers, Trees, wildflowers & plants, Gardening: plants and cultivation guides, Gardening: flowers and ornamental plants, Pharmacy / dispensing, Popular medicine and health, Trees, wildflowers and plants: general interest