Twelve Tremendous Trees

April 10, 2025

Our autumn programme began on Wednesday 10th September with our first illustrated talk of the season when we welcomed Dr. Gwenda Kyd, chemist and Bach flower remedy practitioner, at 6.30 for 7 pm. in Field Dalling Villagers Hall. It was pleasing to see a good number of our members turn out for this talk and to welcome several new members and guests.

Gwenda’s title was ‘Twelve Tremendous Trees’. Her academic background and PhD in Chemistry led her to a fascination with plants and trees through history and into the present day. As her talk showed, research into the properties of these plants leads into the future too as many are proving promising in the battle against cancer and other serious medical conditions.

Just one example,being what we may consider to be the humble birch tree, has contributed substances leading to the creation of the ink that wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Doomsday Book, the ‘cognac’ colouring for tanning leather, and betulinic acid which has potential anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV, and anti-malarial properties. So, next time you pass a birch tree give it a nod of respect!

Gwenda co-devised the ‘Chemicals from Plants Trail’ at Cambridge University Botanic Garden and is a Bach Flowere remedies practitioner. She has published two books, “Molecules, Medicine and Mischief” and “The Plants of Dr Bach”, which might be of interest to some as a follower to her most informative talk.

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