Discover the history of medicinal plants in Aarhus

At the Steno Museum in Universitetsparken, you’ll find the Medicinal Herb Garden – a living collection of plants that have been used for treatment and healing throughout history. On a guided tour of the garden, you’ll gain an insight into how people in different periods have used nature’s plants for medicinal purposes.

The garden is laid out as a historically inspired herb garden featuring plants that have played a significant role in folk medicine, monastic medicine and early medical practice. The guide will share stories about the plants’ effects, uses and myths.

Plants of medicinal significance

During the tour, you can discover a wide range of medicinal plants and learn about their role in the development of medicine. Many of the plants have been used for centuries to alleviate ailments, heal wounds or strengthen the body.

Among other things, you will gain an insight into:

how plants were previously used to treat illnesses
which plants were found in the monasteries’ medicinal gardens
how knowledge of herbs was passed down through the generations
the connection between historical plant use and modern medicine

The guide also gives examples of how some of the plants are still used in today’s natural medicines or pharmaceuticals.

An experience in the heart of the University Park

The Medicinal Herb Garden is situated in peaceful surroundings within the University Park in Aarhus. Here, nature, history and science come together in a green experience close to the city.

The tour takes place outdoors and offers the chance to get up close to the plants, smell them and hear the stories behind their medicinal uses.