A garden oasis

Despite the rain today we headed out as I was intrigued by a nearby garden - Chelsea Physic Garden. Under the umbrellas our guide had us enthralled and I was especially excited to see where many familiar drugs came from. Even after 35 years of nursing you forget the origins of what you are giving thinking they are all synthetic and never start from plants! In the garden website's own words: This walled Garden was founded in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries for its apprentices to study the medicinal qualities of plants. It became one of the most important centres of botany and plant exchange in the world." ........and apparently it still is........

 Apparently this is very hallucinogenic..........

 and the Yew tree. This is the source of the first calcium channel blocker (an antihypertensive) and cancer treatments are also derived from this tree as well...there is more here

 the source of warfarin..........

 digitalis.......

 and atropine........

 many more that I can't recall so I have purchased the garden book....just so fascinating........

Our guide called this "Miss Marple's" patch...full of poisons.........

 and this is how they travelled around the country selling their medicines...........

 and not forgetting the plants we grow for other reasons........

 Yes even this one!!.........

 madder and indigo plants for dyes............

 So we wandered back to the hotel (still in the rain), and came across another famous place.......

 So we are now settled into our hotel and excited to be going home. I can't wait to see family and friends again and I am especially looking forward to hugs with this special little man.............

Next post will be from Singapore. Hope all is well in your part of the world xx