Royal College of Physicians

RCP Garden podcast

Science EN ↓ 67 episodes

Situated in the grounds of the Royal College of Physicians' headquarters near Regent's Park, London, the medicinal garden was extensively replanted in 2005 and features over 1,300 species of plant. The RCP garden of medicinal plants is unique in that almost every one has a link to medicine. Podcasts inspired by the RCP medicinal garden tell the stories behind the plants it contains and explore their connections with medicine. Presented by Professor Anthony Dayan, RCP garden fellow.

Author

Royal College of Physicians

Episodes

Citrus species (oranges and lemons) Part 1 11.05.2026 6:12

The origin and nature of citrus fruits Support the show

Citrus species Part 2 11.05.2026 13:43

The history of citrus in the treatment of scurvy Support the show

Mandragora officinarum (mandrake) 11.05.2026 8:15

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Angelica archangelica (angelica) 11.05.2026 10:39

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Dioscorea polystachya and other species (yam) 06.05.2026 9:17

Birth of the pill Support the show

History of the garden Part 1 06.05.2026 8:50

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History of the garden Part 2 06.05.2026 7:43

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Ribes nigrum (red currant and white currant) 06.05.2026 13:24

Currants of two colours red and white. Support the show

Digitalis purpurea (foxglove) 01.05.2026 9:24

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Artemisia annua (Chinese wormwood) 01.05.2026 11:34

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Betonica officinalis (betony) 29.04.2026 9:49

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Atropa bella-donna (deadly nightshade) 25.03.2026 8:55

Atropa bella-donna Support the show

Betula pendula (silver birch) 14.05.2021 10:02

The silver birch combines beauty and old and new medicinal uses with a history of magic and large scale industrial uses. Support the show

Filipendula ulmaria (meadowsweet) and the origin of aspirin 13.04.2021 7:09

A pretty plant that was very important in the discovery and naming of that most popular medicine aspirin. Support the show

Centaurea cyanus (cornflower or bachelor's button) 08.03.2021 7:15

This beautiful flower carries the weight of many traditions. It is also under threat because of changes in farming practices. Support the show

Oil of Wintergreen 12.02.2021 7:27

This popular aromatic and soothing oil came originally from a Canadian plant that has now been widely naturalised in many countries. The active principle is the same as that in aspirin. Support the show

Colchicum autumnale (autumn crocus) -Naked Ladies – Beauty and Poison 19.01.2021 16:32

The Autumn Crocus is known for its beautiful flowers and as the source of colchicine, the oldest drug to treat gout, but be aware it is also poisonous if eaten. Support the show

Galanthus nivalis (snowdrop) 04.12.2020 9:54

Beauty and Poison Together. A much loved plant with a long classical history that has recently provided a medicine based on a Bulgarian peasant tradition. Support the show

Gentiana lutea (yellow gentian) - the Bitter Beautiful 09.11.2020 7:27

The Gentian is attractive to many because it has beautiful yellow flowers but is also an old herbal medicine and it is attractive as an appetite stimulant for us and as a food source for certain butterflies and other insects. Support the show

Datura stramonium (thorn apple); a dangerous plant with many names and magical uses 14.10.2020 10:42

The Thorn Apple, or Jimson’s Weed, Datura stramonium has at least 7 other names in English. Like many other members of the Solanaceae family it contains powerful chemicals that can disturb the mind and change the activity of many systems in the body. Historically there are many instances in which its actions were exploited for medical and even political purposes but it is now considered too danger...

Agrimonia eupatoria (common agrimony or sticklewort) 27.08.2020 7:05

Once regarded as a ‘heal all’ herb useful in treating everything from sleeplessness to musket wounds this attractive plant is still used as a yellow dye and food flavouring and is accepted in the EU as a treatment for sore throats, digestive problems and by some for wounds. Support the show

Armoracia rusticana (horseradish); a hot plant with a tangled history 28.07.2020 10:06

Studying the history of how we use horseradish is difficult because it has often been confused with the radish and types of mustard. Many like its pepperiness with meat and fish, a taste imported from Central and Eastern Europe but known and enjoyed, even mixed with wine, in classical Greek and Roman times. It has become an important symbol in at least one major religion. It is not a registered he...

The garden during lockdown 25.06.2020 7:20

In this podcast Jane Knowles, RCP Head Gardener, describes how she looked after this unique garden on her own for several months during the lockdown in London. Temperatures reached record highs and the sun shone relentlessly and this remarkable weather was glorious for some but not always easy for the gardener. She describes the birds and insects that were active in the garden in April – June 2020...

Hamamelis (witch hazel) 02.01.2020 7:55

The RCP Garden Podcast latest track on witch hazel. Support the show

Narcissus pseudonarcissus (daffodil)The daffodil: Symbol and medicine 18.11.2019 9:01

The latest episode of the RCP Medicine podcast describes the daffodil. Support the show