Garden of Simples

This area is dedicated to the cultivation of plants with medicinal properties, which in the Middle Ages were referred to by the Latin word “simplices” (“simple”), i.e. healing principles obtained directly from nature.

The Garden of Simples of this Botanical Garden contains over 160 plants, belonging to more than 120 species, used for various purposes: phytotherapeutic, herbal, liqueur, flavouring, hygienic and cosmetic.

One of the beds is dedicated to the “wild vegetables of Sicily”, plants with nutraceutical properties, traditionally consumed in the island's rural communities for their beneficial effects on human health.

Medicinal plants include aromatic, medicinal and perfume plants.

The term derives from ‘officina’, the name given to the apothecary's laboratory, i.e. the place where plants were processed to obtain products for use.

Humans have always used preparations based on plant essences to heal themselves and improve their lives. Currently, medicinal plants are used in both traditional medicine and industry for the production of supplements, adjuvants and products designed to improve vital functions.

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One of the flower beds is dedicated to “wild Sicilian vegetables”, which combine nutritional and medicinal properties in appropriate formulations.

These are plants with nutraceutical properties, traditionally consumed in rural communities on the island for their beneficial effects on human health, as they contribute to the proper functioning of various organs.

Wild vegetables have common nutritional characteristics: they contain a lot of water, few proteins, fats and starchy substances, and a high content of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and fibre.