PHYSIC GARDEN Meaning and
Definition
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A physic garden is a specialized type of garden that is typically established to grow various medicinal plants, herbs, and botanical specimens used for their healing properties. The term "physic" in this context comes from the ancient Greek word "pharmakon," which refers to a remedy or medicine.
A physic garden is often designed with careful consideration of the different needs and requirements of medicinal plants. It aims to provide a controlled environment where these plants can thrive, enabling their cultivation, observation, and experimentation. These gardens are typically organized and labeled to facilitate easy identification and proper categorization of the various plants.
Such gardens have a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations and herbalists who sought to document and understand the properties of different plants for healing purposes. They gained prominence during the medieval period when monastic gardens were established to study and cultivate medicinal herbs. The knowledge gained from these gardens paved the way for the development of Western pharmaceutical practices.
Today, physic gardens may be found in universities, research institutions, or public spaces. They serve as living museums and educational resources, allowing visitors to learn about the historical significance, traditional uses, and scientific aspects of medicinal plants. Additionally, physic gardens contribute to the preservation and conservation of various plant species that have played a vital role in human health and well-being throughout history.
Etymology of PHYSIC GARDEN
The word "physic garden" has its origins in the field of botany. The term "physic" comes from the Latin word "physica" meaning "medicine" or "natural science". The word "garden" is derived from the Old English word "geard" meaning "enclosure" or "enclosed space". The concept of a physic garden can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where gardens were cultivated for the purpose of growing medicinal plants.
In Medieval Europe, monasteries were known for their medicinal herb gardens. These gardens were an essential part of the monastery's infirmary, where monks would cultivate plants for healing purposes. The term "physic garden" was subsequently used to describe these gardens that were specifically dedicated to the cultivation of medicinal herbs.
The first known recorded use of the term "physic garden" dates back to the 17th century in England.
