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
True or False:
Eczema in babies often clears up with the avoidance of cow’s milk and other dairy products.
True
Alterative herbs ___________.
a. influence the lymphatic system
b. strengthen and tone the digestive system
c. purify the bloodstream
d. All of the above
d. All of the above
True or False:
Burdock is a valuable remedy for cystitis due to its antibiotic properties coupled with its diuretic action.
True
Inflammation of the sebaceous glands with recurring blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples are symptoms of which condition?
a. Psoriasis
b. Eczema
c. Acne
d. Seborrhea
c. Acne
Nasturtium officinale belongs to which family?
a. Lamiaceae
b. Brassicaceae
c. Apiaceae
d. Polygonaceae
b. Brassicaceae
True or False:
Fennel is usually grown from seed and cultivated for its edible leaf bases, as a culinary condiment, and for its medicinal properties.
True
What is the most common name for Rumex acetosa?
a. Spinach dock
b. Florence fennel
c. Poor man’s bread
d. Basil
a. Spinach dock
The following is true about fennel:
a. It is an excellent stomach and intestinal remedy.
b. It exhibits calming effect in bronchitis.
c. It increases milk flow in nursing mothers.
d. All of the above.
d. All of the above
True or False:
Sorrel is primarily used for acute and chronic inflammation of the nasal passages and respiratory tracts, and in combination with antibacterial therapy.
True
Which nutritive herb is indicated for boils, bronchitis, eczema, fevers, hemorrhage, mouth ulcers, skin infection, sores, and sore throats?
Sorrel - Rumex acetosa
Nasturtium officinale is the Latin binomial for the herb with this common name.
a. Poor man’s bread
b. Lion’s tooth
c. Happiness bark
d. White man’s foot
a. Poor man’s bread
This herb is a great example of a common culinary herb that is also a nutritive herb.
a. Parsley
b. Fennel
c. Chamomile
d. Red Raspberry
a. Parsley
This herb can be categorized into types based on aroma and flavors such as Anise, cinnamon, clove, lemon, or sweet.
a. Dandelion
b. Watercress
c. Sorrel
d. Basil
d. Basil
Traditionally, this herb was used to address abdominal cramps, improve digestion, and stimulate milk production in lactating mothers.
a. Basil
b. Fennel
c. Sorrel
d. Dill
b. Fennel
There are two types of this nutritive herb: bitter and sweet.
a. Fenugreek
b. Stinging nettle
c. Fennel
d. Alfalfa
c. Fennel
Use an extract prepared from the seeds of this herb for tuberculosis.
a. Basil
b. Fennel
c. Sorrel
d. Watercress
a. Basil
To combat constipation, you should drink
a. at least 34-oz of water throughout the day.
b. at least 64-oz of water throughout the day.
c. no more than 34-oz of water throughout the day.
d. no more than 64-oz of water throughout the day.
b. at least 64-oz of water throughout the day.
It is important to have a bowel movement
a. once a day.
b. as often as regular meals are eaten.
c. three times a week.
d. every other day.
b. as often as regular meals are eaten.
True or False:
Watercress should be taken in large amounts.
False
Ocimum basilicum belongs to which family?
a. Lamiaceae
b. Brassicaceae
c. Apiaceae
d. Polygonaceae
a. Lamiaceae
What nutritive herb is indicated for colic in young children and babies, constipation, cramps, eye complaints, fevers, flatulence, indigestion, rheumatism, stomach cramps, and stomach pains?
Fennel - Foeniculum vulgare
What is one of the common names for Foeniculum vulgare?
a. Garden sorrel
b. St. Joseph wort
c. Scurvy grass
d. Bitter fennel
d. Bitter fennel
This herb is found almost everywhere in the world and is an invasive seed in 45 crops in 70 countries.
a. Fennel
b. Alfalfa
c. Sorrel
d. Basil
c. Sorrel
Watercress is best used ________. Collect in the spring, both before and during flowering.
fresh, uncooked, raw
True or False:
A glass of warm water with lemon juice can be taken first thing in the morning to help flush out the bowel.
True
True or False
Fennel can cause photodermatitis.
True
For sinusitis use 50 drops of a commercial tincture called Sinupret containing this herb.
a. Ocimum basillicum
b. Foeniculum vulgare
c. Rumex acetosa
d. Nasturtium officinale
c. Rumex acetosa
True or False:
Basil is not safe to use during pregnancy, or in amounts larger than that usually used as a spice in cooking.
True
Basil is contraindicated during pregnancy, nursing or with infants or toddlers, or for extended periods of time in amounts higher than that used as a spice.
True or False:
Nutritive herbs can be used in the daily diet to provide important vitamins and minerals.
True
Which of these has a reputation as a “cure-all” and as an extremely effective remedy for infectious complaints and blood disorders?
a. Red clover
b. Yellow dock
c. Burdock
d. Garlic
d. Garlic
The peculiar, penetrating odor of garlic is due to what active constituent?
a. Allicin
b. Allinase
c. Diallyl disulfide
d. Chrysophanic acid
c. Diallyl disulfide
Which parasite can be contracted by eating undercooked meat?
a. Pinworms
b. Tapeworms
c. Roundworms
d. Hookworms
b. Tapeworms
True or False:
Laxative herbs can be combined with anthelmintics to improve their expelling action.
True
Which of the following parasites can be transmitted via direct contact with dogs or cats?
a. Pinworms
b. Tapeworms
c. Roundworms
d. Hookworms
c. Roundworms
The larvae of which parasite burrow into the skin of bare feet, and then make their way into the bloodstream?
a. Pinworms
b. Tapeworms
c. Roundworms
d. Hookworms
d. Hookworms
High doses of Allium sativum may interfere with the effectiveness of which types of existing therapies?
a. Hypoglycemic, anticoagulant
b. Hyperglycemic, anticoagulant
c. Antithrombotic, hyperglycemic
d. Anticoagulant, antithrombotic
a. Hypoglycemic, anticoagulant
True or False:
Garlic has a reputation as a botanical support for cancer, particularly breast cancer and cancer of the esophagus.
False
Which of the following worms usually affect children but can quickly spread to the whole family?
a. Pinworms
b. Tapeworms
c. Roundworms
d. Hookworms
a. Pinworms
Which of the following will keep the intestinal tract healthy and free of parasites with regular use?
a. Artemesia absinthium
b. Hyssopus Officinalis
c. Allium sativum
d. All of the above.
c. Allium sativum
What is one of the common names for Glycyrrhiza glabra?
a. Garden sorrel
b. Fairy flax
c. Scurvy grass
d. Licorice root
d. Licorice root
Which of the following is a gentle laxative that softens mucous membranes, cleaning out mucus and catarrh, modifies the actions of the stronger herbal laxatives, and has also been shown useful in healing ulcers?
a. Glycyrrhiza glabra
b. Taraxacum officinale
c. Cassia acutifolia
d. Linum usitatissimum
a. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Which of the following herbs cause copious watery stools and remove large quantities of serum and water from the intestinal tract, which might lead to dehydration?
a. Aperients
b. Hydrogogues
c. Drastics
d. Cathartics
b. Hydrogogues
________ is relatively safe, but excessive doses can deplete the body of potassium and cause retention of sodium. Avoid large doses over a prolonged period and ensure that potassium intake is increased. (You can use common or Latin name here.)
Licorice
Glycyrrhiza glabra
True or False:
Hydrogogue herbs are mild in action and produce soft stools without pain or irritation.
False
Hydrogogue herbs are very strong drastics and cause copious watery stools and remove large quantities of serum and water from the intestinal tract. Aperients cause moderate peristalsis and produce soft stools without pain or irritation.
The sugars in glycyrrhizin found in ________ are a natural form of glucose and when combined with goldenseal have a stimulating and beneficial effect on the pancreas. Glycyrrhizin acid is known to inhibit Epstein Barr virus and protect the liver. Studies have shown it is active against viruses, including herpes simplex virus. (You can use the common or Latin name here.)
Licorice
Glycyrrhiza glabra
What is one of the common names for Linum usitatissimum?
a. Linseed
b. Liquorice
c. Scurvy grass
d. Bitter fennel
a.Linseed
________ herbs are generally used for small children, the elderly, or very weak people. Their action is mild and slow.
a. Aperient
b. Hydrogogue
c. Drastic
d. Cathartic
a. Aperient
These herbs can be used as substitutes for cathartic herbs, such as licorice or flaxseed:
a. barberry, cascara sagrada, and chamomile
b. elder root and bark, garlic, and gentian
c. horehound, pansy, and raspberry
d. all of the above
d. all of the above
True or False:
The symptoms for diverticulitis can mirror or mask symptoms for colon cancer.
True
What is a common name for Allium sativum?
a. Gobo root
b. Beggar’s treacle
c. Poor man’s button
d. Garlic
d. Garlic
The whole plant of this herb contains a volatile essential oil, phenolic acids, marrubin, and the glycoside disomine. The herb is best known for its diaphoretic action, making it useful for all coughs and colds. An infusion of this herb is also an effective anthelmintic.
a. Artemisia absinthium
b. Allium sativum
c. Hyssopus officinalis
d. Cucurbita pepo
c. Hyssopus officinalis
Which herb is effective at expelling both round and tapeworms, acts as a diuretic, and is useful for urinary trouble? There is a special amino acid in this herb that is responsible for the anthelmintic properties.
a. Artemisia absinthium
b. Allium sativum
c. Hyssopus Officinalis
d. Cucurbita pepo
d. Cucurbita pepo
Which herb is not only an alterative herb but is also an extremely useful anthelmintic?
a. Artemesia absinthium
b. Cucurbita pepo
c. Urtica dioica
d. Allium sativum
d. Allium sativum
Castor oil and hedge hyssop are examples of herbs with which of the following therapeutic actions?
a. Aperient
b. Hydrogogue
c. Drastic
d. Cathartic
c. Drastic
Which of the following has a similar action to senna, but does not have the tendency to cause griping to the same extent?
a. Foeniculum vulgare
b. Taraxacum officinale
c. Cassia acutifolia
d. Linum usitatissimum
d. Linum usitatissimum
________ herbs can cause violent peristalsis and watery stools, accompanied by severe griping pain, They irritate the mucous membrane and will weaken it by causing a loss of serum from the walls of the intestine.
a. Aperient
b. Hydrogogue
c. Drastic
d. Cathartic
c. Drastic
Which of the following herbs cause active peristalsis and stimulate the glandular secretions of the intestines? Bowel movements are usually semi-fluid and may be accompanied by some irritation and griping.
a. Aperient
b. Hydrogogue
c. Drastic
d. Cathartic
d. Cathartic
True or False:
Psyllium seeds, particularly the dark seeds Plantago psyllium, are a very effective remedy in all ailments of the small intestine or colon.
True
The larvae of which of the following parasites migrate through the lungs, causing initial symptoms of a cough, wheezing, and fever?
a. Pinworms
b. Tapeworms
c. Roundworms
d. Hookworms
c. Roundworms
The most common symptoms of this parasite are itching around the anus and disturbed sleep, particularly in children. The female worms, about 12 mm long, emerge from the rectum at night to deposit their eggs, causing itching.
a. Pinworms
b. Tapeworms
c. Roundworms
d. Hookworms
a. Pinworms
Examples of this class of herbs are greater celandine and dwarf elder root.
a. Aperient
b. Hydrogogue
c. Drastic
d. Cathartic
b. Hydrogogue
True or False:
Hydrogogues are very strong drastic herbs that cause copious watery stools and remove large quantities of serum and water from the intestinal tract. They are generally seldom used because of their harsh action.
True
True or False:
Aperient herbs are generally used for small children, the elderly, or very weak people.
True
Which parasite can be contracted by eating undercooked meat?
a. Pinworms
b. Tapeworms
c. Roundworms
d. Hookworms
b. Tapeworms
What is one of the common names for Glycyrrhiza glabra?
a. Garden sorrel
b. Fairy flax
c. Scurvy grass
d. Licorice root
d. Licorice root
Cramping pain, nausea, diarrhea, pelvic tenderness, backache, headache, and pelvic tenderness are characteristic of which of the following?
a. PMS
b. Leucorrhea
c. Menopause
d. Dysmenorrhea
d. Dysmenorrhea
True or False:
Emmenagogue herbs can be combined with stimulants, nervines, demulcents, and emollients.
True
The active constituents of feverfew include all of the following EXCEPT for what?
a. Alkaloids
b. Camphor
c. Terpenes
d. Pyrethrins
a. Alkaloids
You can use two to five leaves of which herb daily in a salad or sandwich with butter for premenstrual tension and migraine?
a. Evening primrose
b. Feverfew
c. Ginger
d. Motherwort
b. Feverfew
Which of the following is helpful for dysmenorrhea?
a. Ten days before menstruation, increase calcium supplementation up to 1000-mg and magnesium up to 500-mg.
b. Douche with diluted propolis tincture, 60 drops to 0.5-cup boiled cooled water.
c. Infusions of the following herbs: chamomile, catnip, ginger, hops, motherwort, peppermint, red raspberry, shepherd’s purse, and valerian.
d. Both a and c are helpful.
d. Both a and c are helpful.
Which of the following protocols is helpful for vaginal thrush?
a. Massage to the lower back and cold and hot compresses will increase circulation in the area and reduce congestion.
b. Douche with diluted propolis tincture, 60 drops to 0.5-cup boiled cooled water.
c. Infusions of the following herbs: chamomile, catnip, ginger, hops, motherwort, peppermint, red raspberry, shepherd’s purse, and valerian.
d. Nervines will help overcome depression and anxiety such as avena (oats), borage, chamomile, mistletoe, passionflower, St. John’s wort, valerian, and vervain.
b. Douche with diluted propolis tincture, 60 drops to 0.5-cup boiled cooled water.
Which herb is high in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and linoleic acid (LA), along with oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid?
a. Ginger
b. Feverfew
c. Red raspberry
d. Evening primrose
d. Evening primrose
What is the name of the organism that usually lives in balance in the digestive tract but can sometimes overgrown and cause local or systemic problems?
a. Escherichia coli
b. Lactobacillus acidophilus
c. Candida albicans
d. Bifidobacterium
c. Candida albicans
What herb has historically been used to reduce the amount of nausea and morning sickness in pregnant women, although some authorities now caution against its use in high-risk pregnancies?
a. Evening primrose
b. Red raspberry
c. Feverfew
d. Ginger
d. Ginger
What is the function of an emmenagogue?
a. To promote and normalize menstrual flow
b. To cleanse and tone the whole reproduction area
d. To alleviate painful cramping during menstruation
d. All of the above
d. All of the above
A deficiency of which nutrient leads to wrinkles and aging skin?
a. A, C, E, F
b. Biotin, folic acid, iron
c. Bioflavonoids, C
d. B6, zinc
a. A, C, E, F
What nutritional requirement is lacking if one has coarse, brittle hair?
a. zinc
b. magnesium
c. iodine
d. folic acid
a. zinc
A deficiency of which nutrient leads to pale skin?
a. A, C, E, F
b. Biotin, folic acid, iron
c. Bioflavonoids, C
d. B6, zinc
b. Biotin, folic acid, iron
True or False:
The hands, ears, and eyes contain a reflex map of the body.
True
If you have hang nails, you may be deficient in all of the following EXCEPT:
a. folic acid
b. vitamin C
c. iron
d. protein
c. iron
What is a useful technique for addressing minor imbalances in the body?
a. iridology
b. reflexology
c. dermatology
d. healing crisis
b. reflexology
True or False:
An increased pulse can indicate the presence of allergies.
True
Acne can be due to a deficiency of all the following EXCEPT:
a. calcium
b. zinc
c. vitamin C
d. vitamin A
a. calcium
What is normal body temperature?
a. 92.6
b. 95.6
c. 98.6
d. 101.6
c. 98.6
A deficiency of which nutrient(s) will contribute to dandruff?
a. B2
b. B2, B6, zinc, magnesium
c. Folic acid, pantothenic acid, P.A.B.A., inositol
d. A. zinc, iodine, lecithin
b. B2, B6, zinc, magnesium
What is menopause?
a. Twelve consecutive months without a period
b. An estrogen deficiency disease
c. A natural life transition
d. A and C but not B
d. A and C but not B
Which of the following herbs is in the Asteraceae (formerly Compositae) family?
a. Ginger
b. Feverfew
c. Red raspberry
d. Evening primrose
b. Feverfew
Which emmenagogue herb is also a tonic for the heart?
a. Motherwort
b. Blue cohosh
c. Red raspberry
d. Ginger
a. Motherwort
Which of the following herbs is classified as generally safe to use during pregnancy?
a. Motherwort
b. Blue cohosh
c. Red raspberry
d. Ginger
c. Red raspberry
Which of the following can be a cause of Candida overgrowth?
a. Lowered immunity
b. Weakened or overworked adrenals
c. Taking prolonged courses of antibiotic drugs
d. All of the above
d. All of the above
