Listen to episode 196 below.
Publication date: 30-1-25.
Duration: 22:20.
Host: Ivonne Smit.
Illustration: ‘Moon Gate’ in Chinese Medicinal Herb Garden in Bristol.
Episode 196: Chinese Medicinal Herb Garden
In this episode
In this last episode of our short series about the University of Bristol Botanic Garden, Ivonne explores the Chinese Medicinal Herb Garden. She picks up valuable knowledge and insights along the way. This garden has the largest collection of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs in Europe.
The herbs are arranged according to their traditional use. What does tea do in the human body? How about that Japanese knotweed in a container? Which plants calm the mind or help blood to move? How can we use herbs to tackle the problem of drug resistance?
In fact, Chinese medicine is a process similar to gardening,
where you try to provide the correct balance of yin and yang!
Chinese medicine
The principles of Chinese medicine were laid down 3,000 years ago through close observation of symptoms and diseases in different seasons and climates. These symptoms are summed up in the ancient symbols yin and yang.
The Chinese doctor uses the patient’s symptoms to determine the constitution of his patient. Some herbs correct deficiencies, others are used as power to reduce excesses in the body. In fact, it’s a process similar to gardening, where you try to provide the correct balance of yin and yang!
Chinese Medicinal Herb Garden photographs
Remember to always consult a qualified doctor and/or other reliable sources before using herbs as a medicine.
The same goes for using western drugs, of course.
More info
- Chinese Medicinal Herb Garden on University of Bristol Botanic Garden website
- Chinese Medicinal Herb Garden on Register of Chinese Medicine website
- The Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine:
promoting safe and ethical practice of Chinese Medicine in the UK
Recordings and photographs date from March, 2024.
Already reading Discupost in English?
Broadcasting schedule
Please check our broadcasting schedule.
Forthcoming episode announcements are on homepage.
