Discover renewal, balance, and the changing seasons in medicine today at this unique, inspiring and free educational event funded by The British Pharmacological Society. In an immersive journey through nature, movement and creativity we are joined by experts, friends and students of the University of Durham’s Pharmacology department and The Balbir Dance Company for this special day. The collaborative programme explores how plant and alternative therapy complement pharmaceuticals to help restore equilibrium and wellbeing for pain, sleep, and memory support.
It’s no coincidence that we’ve timed this event alongside Spring Equinox, which marks the point in time when day and night return to balance, and the oncoming of new spring growth. Traditionally it has represented a time of rebalance, marking the end of winter, and therefore celebrated as a time of renewal and transition. Just as the changing seasons bring a new era in medicine today as pharmacology and plant medicine work to bring balance and equilibrium in the body.
Join us for a reflective and interactive day in the garden, experience three guided sensory trails and talks with creative dance and music from The Balbir Dance Company, each designed to explore a unique state of being. Enjoy medicinal tea blends designed with science-based ingredients for relaxation, pain relief, and focus.
Outline of the day’s talks
Please note the programme may be tweaked/updated closer to the event! Including the addition of creative and interactive sessions between talks.
11.00 am Balance in Nature & Medicine Opening Talk and Tea with Professor of Pharmacology Paul Chazot
11.45 am Memory Plants & Awakening garden walk and tea with Doctor of Pharmacognosy Nic Perry
12.30 pm Pain Plants & Equinox Light garden walk and tea with Paul Chazot
1 hour Break for Lunch – please bring your own! Light refreshments available in the shop
2.00 pm Sunset Walk: Night-Day Balance – Sleep & Dream Plants garden walk and tea with Emeritus Professor of Neuroscience Elaine Perry
3.00 pm Enlightening and Awakening to Medicine today closing talk on the changing seasons of medicine
Important information
Parking: if our visitor car park is full, please use our top-up car park, thank you! Directions available here
Please prepare for the weather! Bring suitable footwear, umbrella, a rug and wrap-up warm to sit back and enjoy the day. For more information about visiting the garden see our Visit Us page. Please get in touch if you have queries/concerns about disability access via info@dilstonphysicgarden.com
