Herbalism Herbal Preparations & Formulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What distinguishes a fluid extract from a standard tincture?
- It is water-based only
- It has a 1:1 herb-to-menstruum ratio (Correct answer)
- It uses glycerin as the sole solvent
- It must be refrigerated at all times
Correct answer: It has a 1:1 herb-to-menstruum ratio
A fluid extract is concentrated so that 1 ml of extract is equivalent to 1 gram of the dried herb, giving it a 1:1 ratio.
Question 2: Which herbal preparation is appropriate for delivering demulcent, polysaccharide-rich constituents from marshmallow root?
- Hot decoction
- Alcohol tincture
- Cold water infusion (Correct answer)
- Essential oil
Correct answer: Cold water infusion
Cold water infusion preserves the mucilaginous polysaccharides of marshmallow root that would be degraded by heat or alcohol.
Question 3: Glycerites are herbal preparations that use glycerin as the primary menstruum and are often preferred because glycerin is:
- A stronger solvent than alcohol for most constituents
- Alcohol-free and sweet-tasting, making it suitable for children (Correct answer)
- Effective for extracting essential oils
- Required by law for children's products
Correct answer: Alcohol-free and sweet-tasting, making it suitable for children
Glycerin is alcohol-free and naturally sweet, making glycerites a suitable alternative for children, alcohol-sensitive individuals, or those in recovery.
Question 4: When preparing an herbal salve, which ingredient is typically used to harden the final product?
- Witch hazel
- Beeswax (Correct answer)
- Glycerin
- Apple cider vinegar
Correct answer: Beeswax
Beeswax is melted into the infused oil to create a semi-solid salve; more wax produces a firmer product.
Question 5: Which part of the plant is most commonly used to make a steam distillation essential oil?
- Roots only
- Seeds only
- Aerial plant parts containing volatile oils (Correct answer)
- Bark and heartwood only
Correct answer: Aerial plant parts containing volatile oils
Steam distillation is used on volatile-oil-rich aerial parts such as flowers, leaves, and stems, though some roots and seeds are also distilled.
Question 6: A liniment differs from a salve primarily because it is:
- Thickened with beeswax for topical application
- A liquid preparation applied externally and allowed to evaporate (Correct answer)
- An internal liquid taken by the drop
- A suppository base for rectal use
Correct answer: A liquid preparation applied externally and allowed to evaporate
A liniment is a liquid herbal preparation—often alcohol- or oil-based—applied to the skin and rubbed in, used for muscle or joint complaints.
Herbalism Herbal Preparations & Formulations 2
What distinguishes a fluid extract from a standard tincture?