Herbalism Chemistry

Question 1

Astringent

Answer 1

-tighten tissues and reduce inflammation
-Binds to proteins helping them coagulate minor wounds and infection

Question 2

Bitters

Answer 2

-digestive aid (alleviate bloating, gas, indigestion) and stimulate appetite
-liver support by stimulating bile production

Question 3

Alterative

Answer 3

Increases detoxification by altering metabolic function

Question 4

Anti-Histamine

Answer 4

Contains quercitin which blocks the body’s production of histamine by stabilizing mast cells

Question 5

Quercitin

Answer 5

Plant pigment providing color, antioxidant properties

Question 6

Histamine

Answer 6

-organic compound helps immune system and physiological proccesses

Question 7

Diuretic

Answer 7

Increases urine output from the kidneys.

Question 8

Thymoleptic

Answer 8

A medicine that alters one’s mood

Question 9

Vitalism

Answer 9

Forces beyond physical which contribute to health of body, naturally occuring medicines like breathing, sunshine, movement, and herbs

Question 10

antioxidant

Answer 10

protect cells from damage and oxidative stress which leads to illness

Question 11

Expectorant

Answer 11

promotes the secretion of sputum by the air passages, used to treat coughs

Question 12

Spasmolytic

Answer 12

Relieves spasm of smooth muscle

Question 13

Analgesic

Answer 13

relieves pain

Question 14

Emmenagogue

Answer 14

remedies that stimulate and regulate menstrual flow and function

Question 15

Antitussive

Answer 15

cough suppressant

Question 16

Demulcent

Answer 16

herb rich in mucilage and can soothe and protect irritated or inflamed internal tissue

Question 17

Carminative

Answer 17

rich in volatile oils, enhances digestion, reduces gas

Question 18

Adaptogenic

Answer 18

Helps body respond to stress

Question 19

Diaphoretic

Answer 19

“Dia-”: Through, across.
“Phoreo”: To carry or bear.
Together, diaphoretic implies “carrying through” or “causing perspiration.”

Question 20

Leukocytes

Answer 20

White blood cells made by bone marrow

Question 21

Lymphatic system

Answer 21

Transport lymph, fluid containing infection-fighting immune cells

Question 22

Cytokines

Answer 22

Cellular hormones derived from leukocytes and tissue cells that coordinate inflammatory response

Interleuken 10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)

Question 23

Alkaloids

Answer 23

Alkaloids are plant compounds that have strong effects on the body—often stimulating, numbing, or pain-relieving—because they interact directly with the nervous system.

1. Poppy (Papaver somniferum) – contains morphine and codeine (pain relief)
   
   2. Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) – contains nicotine (stimulant)
   3. Coffee (Coffea spp.) – contains caffeine (stimulant)
   4. Ephedra (Ephedra sinica) – contains ephedrine (energizing, decongestant)
   5. Belladonna (Atropa belladonna) – contains atropine (antispasmodic, toxic in high doses)

Question 24

Terpenes

Answer 24

aromatic compounds in plants that give them their distinct scents, therapeutic effects on the body, often calming, uplifting, or anti-inflammatory.

Top 5 Herbs Known for Their Terpenes:
1. Lavender (Lavandula spp.) – rich in linalool (calming, anti-anxiety)
2. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) – contains menthol (cooling, pain relief)
3. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – contains pinene (alertness, memory boost)
4. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) – contains bisabolol (soothing, anti-inflammatory)
5. Cannabis (Cannabis sativa/indica) – contains many terpenes like myrcene and limonene (varied effects: relaxing, uplifting, pain-relieving)

Question 25

Phenolics

Answer 25

Phenolics are antioxidant-rich plant compounds that protect cells from damage and help reduce inflammation, often giving herbs their color, flavor, and healing punch. Top 5 Herbs Known for Their Phenolics: 1. Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) – high in catechins (powerful antioxidants) 2. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) – rich in curcumin (anti-inflammatory, immune-supportive) 3. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – contains thymol (antimicrobial, respiratory support) 4. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) – packed with anthocyanins (immune-boosting, antiviral) 5. Sage (Salvia officinalis) – contains rosmarinic acid (cognitive support, anti-inflammatory)

Question 26

Flavanoids

Answer 26

plant-derived pigments with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions that help protect cells, support blood-vessel health, and modulate immunity. Top 5 Herbs Rich in Flavonoids 1. Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) – loaded with catechins like EGCG for antioxidant and metabolic support 2. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) – contains quercetin and kaempferol, which support circulation and cognitive function 3. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) – provides silymarin (a mixture of flavonolignans) for liver protection and detox support 4. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) – offers apigenin, noted for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects 5. Citrus Peel (e.g., Citrus × aurantium) – high in hesperidin and naringenin, which promote vascular tone and capillary strength

Question 27

Polysaccharides

Answer 27

Polysaccharides are long chains of sugar molecules found in plants and fungi that help boost immunity, soothe the gut, and support overall vitality—often acting like natural “cellular food” or modulators for the immune system. Top 5 Herbs/Fungi Rich in Polysaccharides: 1. Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) – contains beta-glucans that modulate immune response and reduce stress 2. Astragalus Root (Astragalus membranaceus) – rich in immune-strengthening polysaccharides 3. Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) – mucilaginous polysaccharides soothe the gut lining and throat 4. Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) – high in mucilage that coats and calms irritated tissues 5. Turkey Tail Mushroom (Trametes versicolor) – contains powerful immune-enhancing beta-glucans

Question 28

Saponins

Answer 28

Saponins are soap-like plant compounds that foam when mixed with water and can help clear mucus, support the immune system, and improve nutrient absorption—but in high amounts, they can irritate the gut or red blood cells. Top 5 Herbs Rich in Saponins: 1. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – soothes mucus membranes and supports adrenal and respiratory health 2. Quillaja (Quillaja saponaria) – used for its intense foaming action and as an immune-stimulating agent 3. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) – supports digestion, hormone balance, and milk production 4. Ginseng (Panax spp.) – contains ginsenosides (a type of saponin) that boost energy and immune resilience 5. Yucca Root (Yucca schidigera) – supports joint health and digestion, often used in pet supplements too

Question 29

Plant compounds

Answer 29

natural chemicals plants produce to survive, grow, and protect themselves—and many of these compounds also have powerful effects on the human body.

Question 30

Glycosides

Answer 30

Compounds with sugar molecules attached; can have cardiac, anti-inflammatory, or laxative effects depending on the plant (e.g., in foxglove, senna)