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Grow Your Own Drugs

This review is bound to capture the attention of my readers. The title will have you wondering if this website should be removed on orders of the CIA, or is it the FBI. I’m English so I have no idea but I am waiting for the knock on the door and a visit from men in dark suits, bulging breast pockets and ear-pieces.

“Honestly, officer,” (do you call them officer or sir?) “it’s a book about cures for athlete’s foot and acne.” And it’s the truth! This book by James Wong is the companion to the BBC TV series of the same name. You don’t need to have seen the series to appreciate the book. It’s a stand-alone work as I can attest, having never, myself, seen the programmes.

This handsome young man has inherited his knowledge of plants and their uses from his Malaysian grandmother (well, yes, his grandmother and Kew Gardens and the University of Kent) who would pound roots to make soothing balms for insect bites and other ailments.

Grow Your Own Drugs will teach you how to forage for and find wild plants for herbal preparations. James offers advice about using common garden plants to produce cures for simple health problems and beauty aids. You don’t have to go out and buy a still or expensive equipment, you will already have most of the paraphernalia required to make these potions... and not a dodgy pipe to be found.

James has a Getting Started chapter which will point you in the direction of a few ingredients that you probably won’t have in your domestic larder. Nothing startling for which you’d need a licence, just some oils, vitamin C powder, waxes and glycerine.

The remedies are for non-life-threatening problems such as bad breath and spots, but they are said to work and you’ll know they will be pure compounds and free from additives with no testing on animals. Do note, however, that these are “fresh” products and should be kept cool.

Rosehip syrup has long been recognised as being packed with vitamin C. James has a recipe for a Vitamin Booster which is classic rosehip syrup with the flavourful addition of cinnamon and cloves. I am sure this would be delicious with hot water as a warming and healthful winter drink. James suggests using the syrup to pour over pancakes or ice cream to tempt the younger members of the family.

The recipe for Bath Bomb is sure to be popular. These are easy to make and the kids will enjoy helping. They might even be persuaded to use them! The Hair Strengthener is a nettle tonic which is said to stimulate growth and leave hair soft and smooth. The most prominent ingredient is wine vinegar but I am sure the addition of aromatic herbs (James recommends lavender and rosemary) will stop you smelling like a chip shop.

Although the book is entitled Grow Your Own Drugs it’s most appealing to those of us who want to avoid taking conventional drugs. Whilst it’s true that we should not be foolhardy, these treatments could help with minor health issues. If in doubt, consult a doctor. This is a well-written and absorbing book that will encourage you to look at plants in a different way.

Grow Your Own Drugs
Author: James Wong
Published by: Harper Collins
Price: £16.99
ISBN 978-0-00-730713-5