Ann Savage, a retired pharmacist, began her talk to us at the March meeting by saying we were probably all drug addicts.
That is, if we drink tea or coffee, as caffeine is a mildly addictive substance. All of us agreed that in that case, we were!
Her subject was Medicines Yesterday and Today and she went on to tell of the many herbs used in past times to attempt to
cure the ills that we often still suffer from today. The Chinese were masters of the art, and today many of the medicinal plants which are still in use are being investigated at Kew Gardens to discover their distinct properties.
Most drugs nowadays are made from a synthetic formula, but some, such as digoxin are still made from the plant, in this case, the foxglove.
Miss Savage went on to tell us of the modern research and trials which are necessary before a new drug can be deemed safe to use, and about the search for a cure for AIDS, TB and malaria. We were all thankful that we live today, and not in centuries past, when weird and painful treatments were often all that were available.
There was also a fascinating display of antique pharmaceutical items brought along by Brian Luckhaus, also a retired pharmacist.
During the business part of the meeting, it was decided that we should have a trip to Brighton on July 9, and that our Coffee Morning would be on June 18, raising funds for the proposed Hertfordshire Air Ambulance. Make a note of the dates now.
Members also spent time and money at the Fairtrade stall, which featured a wide range of goods from the naughty chocolate spread to the necessary paper towels.
For more information phone Margaret on 350938.
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