Visit Barnes Arboretum Medicinal Garden

By Phran Novelli

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - So many medical treatments and miracle cures – herbal remedies to mass market pharmaceuticals – begin with plants. From ginger for motion sickness to Aspirin from willow trees; to Digitalis, commonly known as Foxglove, for heart ailments; to breakthrough breast cancer treatments found in the bark of a yew.

At the Barnes Arboretum in Merion, PA you can wander through their new Medicinal Garden and with just a glance at the tags see how all kinds of plants have been used around the world across the centuries to treat a myriad of maladies.

No picking, no tasting! Just look and learn! Many plants, like the Apothecary Rose, seen here, are also just very pretty to behold.

You can visit the Barnes Arboretum every Friday, Saturday and Sunday this summer.

At only $5 admission and a short walk from the Merion Train Station and bus stops on City Line, a visit to this lovely location is an easy little day trip, even if you don't drive.