Medicine Chest is a repository of traditional remedies and folk wisdom in the area of health and healing. It will host conversations about these areas and draw together a range of perspectives.

The site lets you watch topics unfold as people discuss their own experiences, alongside related scientific evidence. You can create your own profile, engage in the discussions and share your own health advice and experiences.

Medicine Chest also has exclusive behind-the-scenes material and video from Channel 4's dynamic new documentary series Medicine Men.

Channel 4 is a public-service television and radio broadcaster that recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.

As a publisher-broadcaster, the Channel does not produce its own programmes but commissions them from more than 300 independent production companies across the UK, a far greater number than any other broadcaster, including the BBC.

Channel 4 invests heavily in training and talent development throughout the industry, but its primary purpose is the fulfilment of its public service remit - the provision of a broad range of high quality and diverse programming.

Keo films has more than 10 years experience making award winning television documentaries all around the world. From jungles to ice caps, deserts to swamps, Keo's reputation for making quality anthropological, adventure travel films is second to none. Some recent titles you may have seen include: GOING TO EXTREMES (12 episodes for Channel 4 and National Geographic shot in some of the most extreme environments on the planet), BLIZZARD : RACE TO THE POLE (for BBC 2 and The History Channel in which Bruce Parry and his team recreated Scott's expedition to the South Pole) and MEET THE NATIVES (for Channel 4 in which 5 men from tribe in the South Pacific who worship Prince Philip as a God were invited to England to meet him).

Keo also produces all of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's RIVER COTTAGE programmes for Channel 4, and has made several other popular series, including, recently, HIP HOP CANDY for MTV, SAVE LULLINGSTONE CASTLE for BBC2, and 10 YEARS YOUNGER for the Discovery Channel US. Keo films is based in London.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a world-leader in plant science and conservation, and is devoted to sharing its plant knowledge for the benefit of all - now and for generations to come. With its unique collections including over 7 million plant specimens and a billion stored seeds, Kew aims to both inspire and deliver plant conservation worldwide, and in doing so enhance the quality of life on earth.

The loss of local knowledge - be it about plants or anything else - is one of the side-effects of globalisation and rapidly changing societies. While this issue is recognised in the tropics, and is receiving a lot of attention from those concerned with development and the conservation of cultural and biological diversity, it is not the case here at home. The UK has long been industrialised and ranks among the most developed of regions. Yet studies have shown that fragments of knowledge passed down through a long oral tradition still exist among older people. Its value increases the more it is lost as time passes.

Thanks to Headshift for their ideas and commitment while working with Channel 4 to create Medicine Chest.

Thanks to Working Media for their help and collaboration.