Plant Medicine Terms

Question 1

What are adaptogens?

Answer 1

Herbs that help the body resist physical, chemical, or biological stressors

In skincare, adaptogens balance and rejuvenate skin, making it more resilient to environmental and internal stress.

Question 2

What is the primary function of emollients?

Answer 2

To soften and moisturize the skin by forming a protective layer that traps moisture

Common emollients include plant oils and butters that improve skin texture and suppleness.

Question 3

What do humectants do?

Answer 3

Attract water into the skin from the environment or deeper layers

Natural humectants include honey, glycerin, and aloe vera, which help hydrate and plump the skin.

Question 4

Define essential oils.

Answer 4

Highly concentrated plant extracts rich in volatile compounds that provide therapeutic benefits

They are used sparingly in skincare due to their potency, offering calming, purifying, and revitalizing effects.

Question 5

What are hydrosols?

Answer 5

By-products of essential oil distillation, offering a gentler version of the plant’s benefits

Hydrosols can be hydrating, soothing, and suitable for sensitive skin.

Question 6

What are fixed oils?

Answer 6

Non-volatile oils extracted from plants, including carrier oils like jojoba, olive, and sunflower

They provide nourishment, lubrication, and protect against moisture loss.

Question 7

What distinguishes cold-pressed oils?

Answer 7

Extracted at low temperatures to retain nutrients and active properties

Cold-pressed oils are rich in vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants that support skin health and rejuvenation.

Question 8

What is an herbal infusion?

Answer 8

Process of steeping herbs in water or oil to extract their therapeutic compounds

In skincare, infusions are used to introduce gentle, nourishing plant benefits into products.

Question 9

Fill in the blank: _______ are ingredients that attract water into the skin from the environment.

Answer 9

Humectants

Question 10

True or False: Essential oils should be used liberally in skincare due to their safety.

Answer 10

False

Question 11

List three examples of natural humectants.

Answer 11

• Honey
• Glycerin
• Aloe vera

Question 12

What is the role of fixed oils in skincare?

Answer 12

To provide nourishment, lubrication, and protect against moisture loss