• Producer(s):

    FRANCE 5, RTBF

  • Territories:

    Worldwide.

  • Production year:

    2003

  • Language(s):

    English, French

  • Rights:

    NON-THEATRICAL, TV, DVD, INTERNET

This programme explores the rich heritage of knowledge in both southern and northern countries in the field of traditional medicine and healing plants.

This programme explores the rich heritage of knowledge in both southern and northern countries in the field of traditional medicine and healing plants - a knowledge which goes back thousands of years. It examines the origins and importance of plant medicine throughout the world and draws attention to the renewed interest in the use of plants in healing in the West. The example of the yew-tree is used to demonstrate how a plant-based medicine is created. We will also see how major advances in chemistry in the early 20th century helped pharmaceuticals companies forge their present might, and how the limitations of some medicines and the need for new treatments are forcing us to look to nature for new drugs and medical practices.