Exploring Nature's Hidden Pharmacy: TG4's ‘Rúin na bPortach’
24th November 2023
In its latest episode aired on November 22nd, 2023, TG4's documentary series "Rúin na bPortach" (Secrets in the Peat) features Professor Helen Sheridan and the team at NatPro, Trinity Centre for Natural Products Research.
This segment of the captivating three-part series, spotlights NatPro’s work on the medicinal uses of plants found in Ireland's boglands, long revered for their traditional healing properties. Through cutting edge technology Prof Helen Sheridan and her colleagues at NatPro have identified Irish bogland plants showing profound anti-inflammatory effects, and others that are showing potential anti-cancer effects, and this is just the beginning of this ground-breaking research inspired by traditional folklore remedies.
“Rúin na bPortach" ventures deep into the world of peatlands, a critical but often overlooked ecosystem that, despite covering a mere 3% of the Earth, stores more carbon than all the world's forests. This episode promises a journey into the intersection of traditional folklore and modern science, exploring nature's pharmacy hidden within the Irish bogs.
You can watch the series online on the TG4:
https://www.tg4.ie/en/player/play/?pid=6341543209112&series=R%C3%BAin%20na%20bPortach&genre=Faisneis
About the series
Hosted by Cormac Ó hÁdhmaill, the series embarks on a global journey, from the boreal peatlands of Canada to Finland's expansive peat plains and Ireland's picturesque bogs. It highlights the crucial role peatlands play in the global ecosystem, their cultural impact on art and music in Scotland and Ireland, and their significance in history.
"Rúin na bPortach" is a testament to the intricate and essential nature of peatlands, offering a fresh perspective on these vital ecosystems and their far-reaching impact.
Produced by Below the Radar TV, Mac TV, and Idéacom International in a UK-Canada co-production, the series is funded by the Irish Language Broadcast Fund, Screen Scotland, and the Canada Media Fund, with support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Celtic International Fund.