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A History of Plant-Based Medicine (Lecture)

Monday, June 8, 2009

12pm to 1pm

Lecture Details From prehistoric times, through the Greek Empire, into the Middle Ages and modern day, plants have played a vital role in the development of medicine and thus are deeply entwined in the history and survival of mankind. In this lecture, Nadine will share her research on the history of plant-based medicine and its relationship to historical events and figures, which yielded the current disciplines of herbal and conventional medicine. Following the lecture, Nadine will lead interested participants on a brief walk to the Physic Garden, a 16th century medicinal herb garden that historically would have been used for the education of physicians and apothecaries. In the Physic Garden, she will introduce plant species with a role in this history, leaving participants with an appreciation for plants as the basis for human health, or the medicine of mankind: the medicine of our appetites since the time of the hunter gatherer; the medicine of our ailments since ancient civilizations; and the medicine of our spirit through their beauty, fragrance and the pastime of gardening.  

Instructor Nadine Diner acquired her Masters in Plant Science from the University of Western Ontario (UWO), while she was employed at the UWO Greenhouse and the Environmental Research Field-station. At the field-station, she served as an assistant for on-site staff and professors in Plant Sciences, Arts, Genetics and Earth Sciences. As a Masters student, she was also responsible for teaching Biology laboratories and tutorials in the ecology, genetics, plant and animal science units. After completing this degree she enrolled at the University of Toronto to obtain her Bachelor of Education. In 2005, she completed this degree and began an internship with TVOntario (TVO), developing an environmental education package for Ontario teachers. From here, she moved to Vancouver where she was hired as a Greenhouse Technician at the UBC Botanical Garden Horticulture Research Greenhouse, from which she was promoted to her current position as the UBC Botanical Garden Education and Outreach Coordinator.  

Location At the Botanical Garden Reception Centre, near the main entrance (Directions to the Botanical Garden)  

Cost $5.00  

Please Note Bring a bag lunch. Coffee supplied. Fee collected at the door. Please call 604-822-3928 or email the in advance to book a seat.