Synopsis: With easy recipes ethnobotanist James Wong shows how to make simple creams, salves, teas and much, much more from the stuff growing in your window box, the local garden centre or in the hedgerows. Using the flowers, fruit, roots, trees, vegetables and herbs that are all around us James provides preparations to help relieve a whole range of common conditions, including acne, anxiety, cold sores and general aches and pains - plus great ideas for beauty treats such as bath bombs and shampoos.

Inspired by his grandmother in Malaysia who taught him about the health-giving properties of plants, James uses his top class academic knowledge to show how easy - and cheap - it is to make creams, lotions, lozenges and more which can help relieve the symptoms of a variety of common complaints. He reveals how many plants contain the same active ingredients as over-the-counter drugs and chooses his Top 100 plants to grow or buy, complete with ideas for a whole range of uses. So unleash the power of plants and soothe the symptoms of everyday ailments the natural way.

Buy Grow Your Own Drugs: Easy Recipes for Natural Remedies and Beauty Treats from Amazon.co.uk

Hot Brands verdict
We have been fascinated by the BBC 2 programme Grow Your Own Drugs featuring James Wong, his infectious enthusiasm has inspired us to experiment with his recipes in the Hot Brands kitchen and this book is packed full with wonderful ideas. There is a fascinating section on Remedies for a range of symptoms including the specific, for example Acne, through to the more general Under the Weather. There is a guide to the top 100 plants and a useful Resources section. If you are interested in a more natural approach to health and beauty you will love this book, we did!

Special Note from the publisher
Results will vary from person to person, and may be affected by a number of factors. Some remedies can work for some people and not for others. You should consult a doctor to get a correct diagnosis of your condition before trying natural remedies, and particularly if you are on any other medication. To check for allergies always carry out a 24 hour patch test on a small area of skin before following the recommended dosage. The remedies given in the series are only intended for minor self-limiting disorders. It is essential that plants are correctly identified before use.