Herbal Medicine & Dietary Supplements Flashcards
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Read the first 7 Herbal Medicine & Dietary Supplements flashcards as text
Which term describes a plant or herb that helps the body resist physical, chemical, and biological stressors by supporting the adrenal system?
Answer: Adaptogen
Adaptogens are a class of herbs—such as ashwagandha, rhodiola, and holy basil—that help the body modulate its stress response and maintain homeostasis.
A client asks about an herb that is 'standardized to 5% withanolides.' What does standardization mean in herbal supplements?
Answer: A guaranteed minimum level of the active constituent is present in each dose
Standardization ensures that each batch contains a consistent, guaranteed percentage of the identified active compound, improving dosing reliability.
Which preparation method produces the highest concentration of herbal constituents from a given plant material?
Answer: Tincture
A tincture uses alcohol or glycerin to extract and concentrate a broad spectrum of active plant compounds, yielding a more potent preparation than water-based teas.
Which herb is classified as a nervine and is most commonly recommended to support mild anxiety and nervous tension in holistic coaching practice?
Answer: Passionflower
Passionflower is a well-researched nervine herb that calms the nervous system and is commonly used for mild anxiety, restlessness, and sleep difficulty.
A holistic coach is reviewing a client's supplement list and notices they take St. John's Wort. Which drug interaction concern should the coach be MOST aware of?
Answer: It can decrease blood levels of many medications including oral contraceptives and anticoagulants
St. John's Wort is a potent inducer of cytochrome P450 enzymes and P-glycoprotein, which can significantly reduce the plasma levels of many medications.
What is the primary role of the holistic coach when a client inquires about starting a new herbal supplement?
Answer: Provide education and refer the client to a qualified healthcare provider before use
Holistic coaches operate outside the scope of medical practice; their role is to educate, support, and refer clients to licensed practitioners for clinical decisions.
Which marker on a supplement label indicates that an independent organization has verified the product's contents, purity, and potency?
Answer: Third-party certification seal (e.g., USP, NSF, ConsumerLab)
Third-party certification seals from organizations like USP, NSF International, or ConsumerLab confirm independent testing for label accuracy, purity, and absence of contaminants.