Yours Truly Stinks! Trivia Quiz

Answer: Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family. The leaves of the plant resemble mint leaves but when rubbed they produce a lemony scent, which give the plant its name. It is used commercially in cosmetic production. Historically, it has been used for soothing nerves but is also known for its antiviral properties and is often used to treat cold sores.
Lamium, better known as 'deadnettle' is also a member of the mint family. Citron and tangelo are both citrus fruits.

Answer: Snapdragon

Snapdragon, while giving the bearer protection against manipulation, will also make them appear more charming and gracious. Snowdrops, while symbolising hope and purity, can also be seen as a warning against approaching death or disaster when only a single flower blooms. Juniper offers protection from accidents and theft, as well as offering some general health benefits. Jasmine, when worn or carried, is said to attract riches and wealth.

Answer: Kava Kava

Kava kava is traditional in Micronesia, Vanuatu, Melanesia and other Pacific Ocean cultures. Commonly consumed as a tea, by grinding the roots and diluting with water, it can also be chewed. Its effects have been likened to alcohol intoxication. Interestingly, it has also been used (in some Western cultures) as an anti-nausea medication for travel sickness.

Answer: Thistle

Both the plant itself and a tea made from thistle are said to give protection against thieves. The legend of the thistle becoming the national flower of Scotland claims that during the reign of Alexander III, King Haakon of Norway landed an army at the Coast of Largs.

The invaders removed their shoes, hoping to make a stealthy approach and surprise the Scottish. One of the invading soldiers stepped on the thistle, which is a spiky plant, and let out a roar of pain. This ruined the element of surprise and the Norwegians were beaten back. The rose is the national flower of England and the daffodil is the national flower of Wales. Shamrock is generally recognised as the national flower of Ireland, although technically, this is unofficial and it is registered as a trademark of the Irish government.

Answer: Angelica

Angelica was also used by the Aleut people of Alaska as a topical treatment to promote healing. Angelonia is a shrub native to South America which has purple flowers which look similar to orchids. Yellow Archangel is a European wildflower which was used by herbalists to treat bleeding, sores and ulcers. The Michaelmas daisy is a purple flower which flowers around September, near the feast day of St. Michael.

Answer: Wolfsbane

Aconite is mentioned in the Medea, where she was said to have poisoned a drink for Theseus after he had deserted her. He was saved by his father. It is a highly toxic plant, and poisoning can happen easily if the plant is handled without gloves.

Answer: Mugwort

Mugwort, or common wormwood, is commonly used as an insect repellent. It was also used diluted as a remedy for gastrointestinal problems. Valerian root is used as an herbal sedative. Milk thistle is said to aid in cleaning out the liver and feverfew as a remedy for headaches.

Answer: Bamboo

Bamboo shoots have a culinary use, however to break hexes, grinding the wood and carrying the powder is most efficient. Foxtail is a spiky grass which can cause problems for long haired dogs by lodging in their fur and even penetrating the skin. Sugarcane is a grass which produces table sugar, molasses and even a form of fuel.

The common reed is considered useful in magic, however it is more commonly used in spell-writing and wands.

Answer: Mistletoe

Mistletoe was considered especially powerful by druids. The origin of the kiss under the mistletoe is related to Norse mythology. The druids favoured the plant as it held back dark forces and protected against evil. Ivy as a Christmas plant is considered symbolic of eternity and rebirth. Holly was also significant to the druids, and was used in connection with fertility and the magic of dreams, and can protect a household against thunder and lightning. Poinsettia is associated with Christmas and there is a legend associated with it, where a pair of poor children gathered some weeds to leave as an offering at a manger scene.

The children were sneered at, but when they laid their bouquet at the manger, it bloomed into the poinsettia.

Answer: Sage

Used as incense, sage is also associated with wisdom and insight. Onions have been used as a protective amulet, braided with twine or rope. Chives were commonly used to as part of protective magic, combined with other plants and herbs in amulets or charms. Celery has been associated with lust and mental powers and celery seed in spells related to death and the afterlife.