Healing With Plants ~ The Chelsea Physic Garden Herbal

 

The Chelsea Physics Garden was founded in 1673 on a piece of land that was previously used as a market garden. Neighbouring the river Thames in a part of the then rural Chelsea, known as the Manor of Chelsea. It made for an ideal garden because the land was walled and it benefitted from the warm river air and with its south facing aspect and good light soil also made it an ideal location for a garden.

Then it was simply known as the Apothecaries Garden and run by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, known for growing medicinal herbs and training it's apprentices how to identify and use them. One of those apprentices was Sir Hans Sloane. Who, as the book states, "when in Jamaica and with help from the indigenous peoples, was responsible for the discovery of quinine, a plant-based compound that can prevent and cure malaria and a drink using chocolate."  

During our visit to England, we stumbled upon and visited the Chelsea Physic Garden, and quickly became quite enamoured upon our guided tour, which I thoroughly recommend. The grounds are quaint however the plethora of plants and information is abundant. 

This book is packed with loads of information that is tactile, concise and significantly insightful and provides a brief history and maps of the grounds and a one page reference for each herb with lovely colourful illustrations throughout. Containing such information as herbs in history, what is a herbal, notable herbs, references to Elizabeth Blackwell's herbal, herbs in Chinese medicine, Ayurveda and herb medicine, herbs for healing, modern day herbalism and western medicine. Growing and foraging for herbs, making herbal remedies, herbs for healing and recipes are peppered throughout. It gives you a herbal guide, a cultivation, a history of healing and harvesting, how to use, Origins and Cautions, as well as myths and legends. Insightful of herbs common place and not so common place with natural herbal remedies depending on what your intention is. Of course this book does not replace medical information or practises. 

There is so much information that one can truly relish and dive into whole heartedly and appreciate the wealth of information that is on hand throughout this knowledgable guided book. Not only is it good to know where your food comes from but also the ingredients we add to our cooking and baking as well as the things we put on our face, hair and body.

I will share a recipe from the book and although it references the use of a children's mug I am sure any mug adult or otherwise will do. The recipe and description is typed exactly how it is from the book. 

Bedtime Cocoa

-----------------------------------------------------

"Hot chocolate plays a part in the Chelsea Physic Garden's history, and this recipe uses herbal - infused honeys to clam and relax children in the evening. Use oat milk rather than cow's milk for a diary-free alternative and one that adds to the sleep - induced effects - oats contain relaxing compounds such as melatonin."

Gently heat a small mugful of milk in a saucepan (add a cinnamon stick and/or vanilla pod, if liked and simmer over a low heat for 5 to 10 minutes). Put 1 tbsp (tablespoon) cocoa powder into the child's favourite mug, pour in a splash of the hot milk and stir to make a paste. Strain out the cinnamon and vanilla, then pour the rest of the milk into the mug, stirring or whisking constantly. Stir in linden flower - or - chamomile - infused honey to taste, then serve.