James Wong Grow Your Own Christmas

GROW YOUR OWN DRUGS FOR CHRISTMAS is a one-off special that will see ethnobotanist James Wong show us how to make everything from presents to tree decorations, hangover cures to indigestion relief.  As well as imparting his trademark enthusiasm for his favourite festive foodstuffs, gifts and natural remedies, throughout the programme James will tell the fascinating story of the role plants have played in the ritual of Christmas.  Whether it be pointing out how most festive food staples – like mulled wine or mince pies – are usually packed with anti-bacterial spices (always useful for December sniffles) or the way that winter’s plants and trees – mistletoe, holly, ivy, frankincense and myrrh – have been used to decorate homes and help soothe winter ailments since pagan times, by the end of the episode we’ll be raring to grow our own cranberries, make our own pine needle bath oil, festoon our mantelpiece with rosemary garlands or fashion our own Christmas fragrances.

1 x 60

Series Producer: Lucy Hooper

Executive Producer: Dan Adamson

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