Kew Gardens and its Herbal Legacy

by Julie Wardwell May 26, 2023

Nestled in the heart of London, Kew Gardens stands as a magnificent testament to the botanical wonders of our world. Beyond its exquisite flora and diverse ecosystems, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts an unparalleled herbal legacy, encompassing a vast world seed bank and a profound connection to the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. In this article, we will delve into the significance of Kew Gardens' herbal aspect, explore its seed bank, and shed light on its invaluable link to Ayurveda, emphasizing why people should know about and appreciate this extraordinary sanctuary.

Kew Gardens' Plant Heritage: Kew Gardens, formerly known as the Royal Botanic Gardens, has a rich history dating back over 250 years. Beyond its iconic glasshouses, intricate landscapes, and majestic trees, Kew Gardens is a haven for herbal enthusiasts. It houses an extensive collection of medicinal plants from all corners of the globe, making it a vital resource for research, conservation, and education. The Kew Garden Park spreads over 330 acres with more than 8.5 million plants and fungi represented in its living collections. The Kew library contains more than 750,000 volumes of books with over 175,000 plant illustrations.

The Seed Bank: At the heart of Kew Gardens' herbal legacy lies the Millennium Seed Bank, a global initiative striving to safeguard the world's plant diversity. Located in Sussex, England, the seed bank is a colossal undertaking, aiming to collect and preserve seeds from every plant species on Earth. With over two billion seeds representing over 190 countries, this repository acts as an insurance policy against the potential loss of plant species.

Kew Gardens’ Seed Bank Protects Endangered Ayurvedic Plants: Many Ayurvedic medicinal plants are becoming endangered and rare in the wild due to over harvesting, habitat destruction and the effects caused by climate change. The Millennium Seed Bank plays a crucial role in preserving the biodiversity of these plants. There are more than 470 scientists working collaboratively and globally, to understand and protect biodiversity and to discover sustainable solutions to some of our biggest global challenges. Scientists are safeguarding the valuable global genetic material of endangered plants to ensure they will survive by reintroduction to their natural habitats. 

Ayurvedic Journey of Holistic Well-Being and Ecological Responsibility: By preserving seeds from around the world, the seed bank acts as a safeguard against the threats faced by plant species. Kew Gardens serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between humans and nature which aligns with Ayurvedic principals that our well-being is deeply intertwined with the natural world. By nurturing and preserving the diversity of plant life, we ensure a rich resource of potential remedies for various ailments and imbalances.

Kew Gardens stands as a safegaurd to all plants and the urgent need to preserve them for future generations. It calls upon us all to deepen our understanding of herbal medicine, support conservation efforts, and embrace the potential of nature's pharmacy. Let us explore, learn, and cherish the herbal haven that is Kew Gardens, as we embark on a journey of holistic well-being and ecological responsibility.

Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala also has an herbal legacy of sustainably harvesting and preserving endangered medicinal plants. You may read more about it here.

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Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Kottakkal Ayurveda products and information are not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. If you have serious, acute, or chronic health problems, please consult a trained health professional. If you are seeking the advice of a trained Ayurvedic professional, call (800) 215-9934 or email us at contact@kottakkal.shop. We will provide you with information to consult with Ayurvedic professionals. Always check with your doctor before taking herbs when pregnant or nursing.

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