Healing with Herbs Trivia Quiz

Answer: You should do all these things

Whilst natural herbal remedies are generally thought of as being less potent than modern prescription drugs, you must still pay careful attention to what you take. Some drugs will interact with herbs, and some herbs should not be taken with certain medical conditions. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any herbal medicines.

Answer: Feverfew

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) has been extensively researched since the 1970's, and has been found to be an effective treatment for migraine, rheumatism, and period pains, as well as cooling a fever. However, people who take the blood thinning drug Warfarin must avoid feverfew.

Answer: Wormwood

Wormwood was indeed used as the hallucinogen in the extremely alcoholic absinthe drink. However, it is not recommended that you ingest any! Vervain, valerian and lavender are all much safer, though it is still important that you know what you are doing, and seek advice from a qualified herbalist.

Answer: aspirin

Aspirin is often given to relieve minor aches and pains, and to bring down a fever, as well as helping to prevent strokes and blood clots. Salicylic acid is the main metabolite in aspirin, but can also be found in natural herbal remedies without the need to take a pharmaceutical.

Answer: True

Herbal medicines do not always have to be taken internally, and may be applied topically to the skin or hair, or even inhaled in a steam bath. A simple decoction of a herb may be made by boiling 25g of herbs in 1.5 pints of water until reduced by a third. Honey may be added to bitter-tasting liquids.

Answer: skin disorders

Snapping an aloe leaf and squeezing out the gel can provide a soothing treatment for issues with the skin including mild sun burn, eczema, and thrush (candida). Aloe vera also has laxative properties and has been shown to lower blood sugar in diabetics, but should only be taken if recommended by a doctor.

Answer: Ginger

Ginger biscuits, ginger ale, dilute tincture, crystallized ginger, teas...the ways in which you can take ginger are endless! Ginger capsules are widely available to buy over the counter and are specifically aimed at treating travel sickness.

Answer: Yarrow

Many modern sleeping tablets can be addictive if used for long periods of time. Why not try a herbal remedy instead? Valerian has long been used to treat insomnia and anxiety; drinking a cup of chamomile tea before bed is a great relaxant; and a drop of lavender essential oil on your pillow is sure to help you get a good night's sleep.

Answer: To clear phlegm or mucus from a chest infection

An expectorant helps loosen phlegm from the chest during a chest infection. Other examples of expectorants include hyssop, marshmallow, mullein, and heartsease.

Answer: lavender

Lavender is found in many forms, most commonly as an essential oil. In the early 20th century, French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse was working in his laboratory when he severely burned his hand. He quickly plunged his hand in to the nearest available liquid - lavender oil. To his amazement, the pain ceased, and he was left without blisters or scarring.