Biologist Clara Aus will lead a group through a brief history of plants as medicine, outline a variety of plants and their medicinal properties, and explain some of the basic science behind the functions of these plants from 1 to 3 p.m., October 19, at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Center. She says, “Plants have been used as medicine for thousands of years, and in this course, we honor the traditions from countries all around the world.” In 2023, Aus became the Butterflies LIVE! coordinator, and currently works in the Children’s Garden as an educator.

Participants will compile five tea bags with the provided herbs and plant parts of their choosing for a variety of ailments. Aus will provide materials for reference throughout the activities, including a handout with a basic list of which parts of different plants contain medicinal compounds (flower, root, leaf, fruit, etc.). Each participant will learn to make and practice making a poultice with a partner before the class takes a walk through the garden to observe medicinal plants.