Botanicals Question bank

Question 1

Which bacterium is responsible for Lyme disease?

A) Babesia microti
B) Borrelia burgdorferi
C) Bartonella henselae
D) Rickettsia rickettsii

Answer 1

B) Borrelia burgdorferi

Correct: Borrelia burgdorferi is the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease.
Incorrect Options: Babesia microti causes babesiosis; Bartonella henselae causes bartonellosis; Rickettsia rickettsii causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Question 2

Which herb is commonly used in Lyme disease protocols for its immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties?

A) Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
B) Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
C) Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
D) Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

Answer 2

D) Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) - Correct
o Explanation: Uncaria tomentosa (cat’s claw) is frequently used in Lyme disease for its immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory effects, helping manage infection-induced inflammation.
o Incorrect Options:
 A) Astragalus membranaceus - Known for immune-boosting properties, especially in chronic infections. However, it may exacerbate symptoms in those with autoimmune conditions due to immune stimulation.
 B) Curcuma longa - Primarily used for inflammation reduction, particularly in joint and muscle pain. Though beneficial, it’s not as targeted for Lyme’s immune modulation.
 C) Glycyrrhiza glabra - Useful for adrenal support and immune function but is typically used for respiratory infections and stress rather than direct Lyme treatment.

Question 3

Which of the following herbs is known for its antimicrobial action specifically against Borrelia bacteria, the primary pathogen in Lyme disease?
A) Teasel Root (Dipsacus sylvestris)
B) Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
C) Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)
D) Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Answer 3

A) Dipsacus sylvestris (Correct Answer)
o Explanation: Dipsacus sylvestris (teasel root) has properties that can be helpful against Borrelia, making it beneficial in Lyme disease treatment protocols.
o Incorrect Options:
 B) Mentha piperita - Mostly used for digestive issues and headaches; it has limited effects against Lyme or Borrelia.
 C) Scutellaria baicalensis - Known for reducing inflammation and protecting neurons but not specifically antimicrobial against Borrelia.
 D) Echinacea purpurea - Boosts general immune function but may worsen autoimmune reactions and lacks specificity against Lyme.

Question 4

This herb contains berberine, which has demonstrated antimicrobial effects and is often used to support digestive health in patients with Lyme disease:
A) Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
B) Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
C) Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
D) Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Answer 4

A) Berberis vulgaris (Correct Answer)
o Explanation: Berberis vulgaris (barberry) contains berberine, an antimicrobial compound that can help manage gut health and infections.
o Incorrect Options:
 B) Camellia sinensis - Contains antioxidants that may support overall health but isn’t directly antimicrobial against Lyme.
 C) Valeriana officinalis - Mainly a nervine used for sleep and anxiety support, not for antimicrobial purposes.
 D) Lavandula angustifolia - Primarily used for calming and sleep support, not effective for direct antimicrobial action.

Question 5

Which of these herbs is known for its potential effect against the cyst form of Borrelia and is frequently used for its potent antimicrobial effects?
A) Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia annua)
B) Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)
C) Garlic (Allium sativum)
D) Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)

Answer 5

C) Allium sativum (Correct Answer)
o Explanation: Garlic (Allium sativum) has strong antimicrobial effects, which can help manage Lyme-related infections, including cyst forms of Borrelia.
o Incorrect Options:
 A) Artemisia annua - Known for its effectiveness against malaria and some parasitic infections but less effective against Lyme.
 B) Polygonum cuspidatum - Anti-inflammatory and supports immune function; helpful in Lyme but not directly antimicrobial.
 D) Rhodiola rosea - An adaptogen primarily used for stress support and fatigue management rather than antimicrobial action.

Question 6

Which adaptogenic herb is often recommended to help manage fatigue associated with Lyme disease, as it supports adrenal function and the body’s response to stress?
A) Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
B) Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
C) St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
D) Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Answer 6

A) Eleutherococcus senticosus (Correct Answer)
o Explanation: Eleutherococcus (Siberian ginseng) is an adaptogen that helps with energy and stress, making it useful for Lyme patients with fatigue.
o Incorrect Options:
 B) Schisandra chinensis - Another adaptogen, but more focused on liver support and mental clarity rather than fatigue.
 C) Hypericum perforatum - Known for supporting mood and nerve pain, not specifically fatigue or Lyme treatment.
 D) Curcuma longa - Primarily anti-inflammatory, useful for pain but not for adrenal support or fatigue.

Question 7

Japanese knotweed is commonly used in Lyme protocols for its anti-inflammatory and immune-supportive properties. What is the botanical name of this herb?
A) Teasel Root (Dipsacus sylvestris)
B) Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)
C) Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)
D) Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Answer 7

C) Polygonum cuspidatum (Correct Answer)
o Explanation: Also known as Japanese knotweed, Polygonum cuspidatum has anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects, making it ideal for Lyme support.
o Incorrect Options:
 A) Dipsacus sylvestris - Helpful for immune support in Lyme but not specifically known for anti-inflammatory effects.
 B) Scutellaria baicalensis - Reduces neuroinflammation but lacks broad anti-inflammatory support for Lyme.
 D) Silybum marianum - Supports liver detoxification, valuable in detox support but not immune modulation.

Question 8

Which herb is high in antioxidants, supports liver detoxification, and is frequently used in Lyme disease protocols to support overall cellular health?
A) Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
B) Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
C) Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
D) Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Answer 8

B) Silybum marianum (Correct Answer)
o Explanation: Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) supports liver health, which is essential for detoxifying Lyme-related toxins.
o Incorrect Options:
 A) Camellia sinensis - Contains antioxidants but doesn’t have the liver-supporting properties that milk thistle offers.
 C) Matricaria chamomilla - Primarily used for calming and digestive support, not for liver health.
 D) Melissa officinalis - Known for its calming effects, particularly for anxiety, rather than for liver or detox support.

Question 9

Known as an immune tonic, this herb is used in Lyme protocols to support the body’s defense against infections but may not be suitable for those with autoimmune conditions:
A) Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
B) Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata)
C) Garlic (Allium sativum)
D) Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

Answer 9

D) Astragalus membranaceus (Correct Answer)
o Explanation: Astragalus is an immune tonic often used to bolster immune function, but it may be too stimulating for some with autoimmune issues.
o Incorrect Options:
 A) Echinacea purpurea - Also boosts immune function but is generally used for acute rather than chronic immune support.
 B) Andrographis paniculata - Known for anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties but doesn’t work as an immune tonic like Astragalus.
 C) Allium sativum - Primarily antimicrobial, doesn’t provide the broad immune support that Astragalus offers.

Question 10

Which herb, commonly referred to as “cat’s claw,” is frequently used for Lyme disease due to its immune-supportive properties?
A) Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
B) Teasel Root (Dipsacus sylvestris)
C) Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)
D) Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Answer 10

A) Uncaria tomentosa (Correct Answer)
o Explanation: Known as “cat’s claw,” Uncaria tomentosa is frequently used in Lyme protocols for its immune-supportive properties.
o Incorrect Options:
 B) Dipsacus sylvestris - Used for its antimicrobial effects but lacks broader immune support like cat’s claw.
 C) Scutellaria baicalensis - More focused on anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, not broad immune support.
 D) Glycyrrhiza glabra - Helps with immune modulation but is mostly used for adrenal support and reducing inflammation, not as directly for Lyme.

Question 11

This herb has been studied for its effects on reducing neuroinflammation, which can be beneficial for Lyme patients experiencing neurological symptoms:
A) St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
B) Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)
C) Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
D) Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Answer 11

B) Scutellaria baicalensis (Correct Answer)
o Explanation: Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) has shown neuroprotective properties, helping with neuroinflammation in Lyme disease.
o Incorrect Options:
 A) Hypericum perforatum - Primarily supports mood and nerve pain, but not neuroinflammation specifically.
 C) Passiflora incarnata - A nervine used for anxiety and sleep support, not as effective for inflammation.
 D) Zingiber officinale - Anti-inflammatory, but its effects are more systemic rather than neuroprotective.