UPDATE: WE HAVE HAD HUNDREDS OF EMAILS ASKING US FOR JAMES RECIPES FROM THIS SHOW. FOLLOW THIS LINK TO FIND .JAMES NEWEST RECIPE BOOK

Many people think of plants as purely ornamental, something to brighten up back gardens and window boxes, but there are many other uses for them. Ethnobotanist and gardener James Wong demonstrates how to grow and transform familiar plants into simple natural remedies that could help ease the symptoms of a variety of minor everyday ailments. He also rustles up some pampering beauty treatments.

A delicious mix of gardening, cooking, health and beauty, Grow Your Own Drugs is packed with useful and practical information and gives viewers an insight into the science and history of plants used as natural remedies.

In the first episode, the focus is on fruit. James shows how figs can be used to prepare a remedy which could help to relieve constipation. For those who have trouble dropping off, he shows how hops aren’t just for making beer, revealing how they could aid getting a good night’s sleep.

James transforms kiwi and papaya into a soothing face mask and creates a warming soup using goji berries to help feed a cold. The ingredients he uses can be picked up in local supermarkets or even grown in back gardens.

Next week, James takes a closer look at flowers.

Monday 2 March
8.30-9.00pm BBC TWO