Grow Your Own Drugs S02E03 - Exotic Plants

Ethnobotanist James Wong investigates plant-based medicine.

Although his natural remedies for everyday minor ailments frequently use plants that we would consider to be exotic, many of these will grow really well in our own back gardens.

James shows us how to use lemongrass in an insect repellent spray, transform olive leaves into a pampering face mask, make a soothing burns treatment from aloe vera and chamomile and, perhaps most surprisingly of all, reveals that, not only can you grow tea bushes in this country, you can also turn them into a zingy mouthwash to help fight plaque and freshen breath.

Members of the public, in need of help, give his remedies and beauty treatments a go.