Before prescriptions, there was the healing power of plants. This exhibition explores a variety of medicinal plants, remedy-making methods and recipes, giving an insight into the Garden’s green pharmacy and showing the important role it played in traditional healing practices.
This year, the Botanics celebrates 20 years of their contemporary herbology courses and the enduring healing and cultural power of plants. This exhibition highlights the work of the programme through a variety of engaging mixed media by students and illustrators.
Besides highlighting medical uses, the exhibit also invites its visitors to reflect on the importance of plant conservation. While researchers continue studying plants for future medical applications, the importance of protecting biodiversity increases.
Herbology Exhibition at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is open daily from 13 February to 28 June 2026, with free entry.
The Garden has two entrances: the West Gate on Arboretum Place, and the East Gate on Inverleith Row. The East Gate entrance is served by Lothian Buses routes 8, 9, 23 and 27 from the city centre. The West Gate (John Hope Gateway visitor centre) is served by routes 29 and 24 via Stockbridge, and Edinburgh Bus Tours’ Regal Tour.
