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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.
Medicine Cabinet is a fascinating exploration of nature's pharmacy and the healing power of plants, from soothing lavender, chamomile and valerian, and invigorating guarana, maca and ginseng, to the infection-fighting turmeric, tea tree and ginger. 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, making a beautiful gift package for any nature lover, home cook or wellness enthusiast.
Medicine Cabinet is a fascinating exploration of nature's pharmacy and the healing power of plants, from soothing lavender, chamomile and valerian, and invigorating guarana, maca and ginseng, to the infection-fighting turmeric, tea tree and ginger. 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, making a beautiful gift package for any nature lover, home cook or wellness enthusiast.
- GenresNonfiction
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2025
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54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
October 22, 2025
A book about the science and mythology of medicinal plants.
If you’re looking for a horticultural guidebook to cultivating medicinal plants, this is not what you are looking for. If, however, you want the most glorious gift book that examines the huge wealth of background to such plants then look no further!
As with the other books in the Kew Gardens series, The Apothecary’s Garden is stunningly presented. The hardback is exquisite quality with robust, weighty covers and includes the most glorious illustrations throughout. Even the end papers feel luxurious, with the suggestion of the timelessness of stars and a hint of plant trellis so that this is a volume that will endure much handling and bring pleasure to the reader for years to come. It’s impossible to overstate the beauty and variety of illustration.
The information contained within The Apothecary’s Garden is eclectic, extensive and immensely entertaining. It’s particularly fascinating to discover the link between some of our modern medicines and traditional use – and I loved the word of caution at the start of the book warning readers not to use The Apothecary’s Garden as a means of deciding upon or creating their own cures!
Each of the eight chapters begins with an erudite and interesting introduction and then contains information about individual plants that includes history, herbalism, geography and culture. There’s folklore, science and superstition so that every entry holds something new to discover. I was particularly interested in Gotu Kola as I’d never heard of it before!
I think The Apothecary’s Garden would make a wonderful gift book for anyone interested in plants or medicine. It can be read in the order it’s presented, or dipped into on a whim to discover something fascinating. For those wanting a gift for someone interested in plants but who has everything already, The Apothecary’s Garden could be exactly what you need.
If you’re looking for a horticultural guidebook to cultivating medicinal plants, this is not what you are looking for. If, however, you want the most glorious gift book that examines the huge wealth of background to such plants then look no further!
As with the other books in the Kew Gardens series, The Apothecary’s Garden is stunningly presented. The hardback is exquisite quality with robust, weighty covers and includes the most glorious illustrations throughout. Even the end papers feel luxurious, with the suggestion of the timelessness of stars and a hint of plant trellis so that this is a volume that will endure much handling and bring pleasure to the reader for years to come. It’s impossible to overstate the beauty and variety of illustration.
The information contained within The Apothecary’s Garden is eclectic, extensive and immensely entertaining. It’s particularly fascinating to discover the link between some of our modern medicines and traditional use – and I loved the word of caution at the start of the book warning readers not to use The Apothecary’s Garden as a means of deciding upon or creating their own cures!
Each of the eight chapters begins with an erudite and interesting introduction and then contains information about individual plants that includes history, herbalism, geography and culture. There’s folklore, science and superstition so that every entry holds something new to discover. I was particularly interested in Gotu Kola as I’d never heard of it before!
I think The Apothecary’s Garden would make a wonderful gift book for anyone interested in plants or medicine. It can be read in the order it’s presented, or dipped into on a whim to discover something fascinating. For those wanting a gift for someone interested in plants but who has everything already, The Apothecary’s Garden could be exactly what you need.
Displaying 1 of 1 review