Herbal Studies Flashcards
________ forms a layer on the surface of mucous membranes, soothing inflammation, and protecting from invading irritants.
a. Glycosides
b. Mucilage
c. Aglycone
d. Bitters
b. Mucilage
What type of preparation is most useful as a topical application for strained muscles, swellings, and abscesses?
a. Fomentations
b. Decoctions
c. Tinctures
d. All of the above
a. Fomentations
Fomentations are intended for external application. They can be applied either hot or cold depending on the condition. Cold fomentations can be used for sprains and bruises. Hot or warm fomentations are used for aches, pains, menstrual cramps, abscesses, and boils.
Ointments can use which of the following as a base?
a. Lanolin
b. Oil
c. Beeswax
d. All of the above
d. All of the above
Saponins are natural compounds that are very similar to glycosides, but can be distinguished because they dissolve in water and produce a ________.
a. golden color
b. durable foam
c. sweet aroma
d. All of the above
b. durable foam
Saponins are natural compounds that have a chemical nature very similar to glycosides. The aglycone of some saponins is a steroid substance. They can increase the permeability of membranes and cause haemolysis by destroying the membranes of red blood cells and releasing hemoglobin.
True or False:
All botanicals require a 90% alcohol concentration to extract their active constituents in a tincture.
False
Alcohol percentages can be adjusted for different botanicals. Vegetable glycerin can also be used but it does not extract as many constituents as alcohol.
Syrups are particularly useful for _________ mixtures, where peppermint or licorice can be added to improve the taste.
a. diarrhea
b. cough
c. flu
d. constipation
b. cough
To understand how herbs affect the body, it is necessary to have a basic understanding of the ___________ they contain.
a. cellular structure
b. active constituents
c. relaxing properties
d. time of harvest
b. active constituents
_________ are used for hard woody substances such as roots, barks, and stems whose constituents are water-soluble and non-volatile.
a. Tinctures
b. Elixirs
c. Decoctions
d. Infusions
c. Decoctions
Decoctions are intended for immediate use and can be store for a maximum of 72 hours in a very cool place. Decoctions extract mainly mineral salts and bitter principles.
True or False:
Fluid extracts are generally twice the strength of a tincture and contain only small quantities of alcohol.
True
The therapeutic margin is the dividing line between _________.
a. effectiveness and ineffectiveness
b. hot and cold
c. effectiveness and toxicity
d. natural and artificial
c. effectiveness and toxicity
Which active constituents have studies isolated in Trifolium pratense that are known to possess estrogenic properties that can be used as a useful support during menopause?
a. Isoflavones
b. Terpenoids
c. Iridoid glycosides
d. Flavonoids
a. Isoflavones
Which of the following should not be used during pregnancy due to its isoflavone content?
a. Arctium lappa (Burdock)
b. Plantago major (Plantain)
c. Trifolium pratense (Red clover)
d. Rumex crispus (Curly dock)
c. Trifolium pratense (Red clover)
True or False:
Plantain is a very useful blood cleanser with a specific affinity with the kidneys, bladder, and digestive system.
True
Plantain has a wide range of medicinal uses, particularly in a first aid situation as the fresh leaves quickly relieve the itch and heat from insect bites and stings, and the styptic quality will stop bleeding of minor cuts and wounds. It is noted as specific for cystitis and bleeding hemorrhoids, particularly combined with comfrey root. It is also a very useful blood cleanser with a specific affinity with the kidneys, bladder, and digestive system.
What is one of the common names for Trifolium pratense (red clover)?
a. Thorny bur
b. Ripplegrass
c. Cleaver grass
d. Snakeweed
c. Cleaver grass
Which of the following is a common name for Plantago major (plantain)?
a. Trefoil
b. Snakeweed
c. Goosegrass
d. All of the above
b. Snakeweed
Which active constituent(s) are found in Arctium lappa (burdock)?
a. Formononetin
b. Isoflavones
c. Genistein
d. Inulin
d. Inulin
Burdock contains a bitter glycoside principle called arctin, the lignan artiin, a bitter principle lappin, inulin (a polysaccharide, not to be confused with insulin), a central nervous system stimulant, flavonoids, mucilage, resin, volatile oils, lactones, tannin, and an unnamed antibiotic substance. It is also abundant in vitamin C and enzymes.
Which of the following conditions generally occurs during puberty and is caused by the blockage of hair follicles by excessive secretion of oils from the glands?
a. Acne
b. Eczema
c. Psoriasis
d. Seborrhea
a. Acne
The skin itches and is inflamed and red. Blisters may form, followed by oozing, crusting, and scaling. What do these symptoms describe?
a. Eczema
b. Acne
c. Psoriasis
d. Seborrhea
a. Eczema
What effect can overuse of plantain have?
a. Laxative
b. Constipating
c. Sedating
d. None of the above
a. Laxative
Plantago major (plantain) contains which of the these active constituents?
a. Inulin
b. Molybdenum
c. Flavonoids
d. Saponins
c. Flavonoids
Taken before meals in small doses, ________ stimulate the appetite by promoting the flow of the digestive fluids.
a. tannins
b. saponins
c. glycosides
d. bitter principles
d. bitter principles
These are nonpoisonous substances with generally a strong, bitter, but not unpleasant, taste. Taken before meals in small doses they stimulate the appetite by promoting the flow of digestive juices. Large doses tend to reduce the appetite.
An excessive dose of _________ can cause irritation to the stomach wall and liver damage. If a cold infusion is prepared, only a small proportion is absorbed.
a. tannins
b. saponins
c. glycosides
d. bitter principles
a. tannins
Tannin is an organic, non-nitrogenous substance that has astringent and antiviral properties. Herbs containing tannin bind albumin in the skin and mucous membranes and form a watertight protective layer, resistant to disease.
Herbs contain medicinal chemical substances that are known as what kind of constituents?
a. Active
b. Inactive
c. Inert
d. None of the above
a. Active
Alkaloids are naturally occurring substances that are very potent and can have poisonous effects when taken in ________ doses.
a. liquefied
b. amorphous
c. excessive
d. limited
c. excessive