Herbalism Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Herbalism facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Elderberries (Sambucus nigra) are commonly prepared for immune support using which method to ensure safety? → Cooked or heated before consumption
2. St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is most noted for its interaction with which class of pharmaceutical drugs? → Cytochrome P450 substrates including anticoagulants and oral contraceptives
3. What is the primary active compound in turmeric responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties? → Curcumin
4. Which extraction method uses alcohol and water to draw out both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble constituents from an herb? → Tincture
5. Rhodiola rosea is classified as an adaptogen and is particularly noted for improving which condition? → Mental fatigue and cognitive performance under stress
6. Feverfew has interaction concerns with which drug class due to its effects on platelet aggregation? → NSAIDs and anticoagulants
7. Which standardized extract ratio indicates that 5 pounds of raw herb were used to make 1 pound of extract? → 5:1 extract
8. Which herb has been studied for its ability to support cognitive function and is used in Ayurvedic medicine as a 'medhya rasayana' (brain tonic)? → Bacopa monnieri
9. Which herb is traditionally used as a uterine tonic and is contraindicated during pregnancy due to its emmenagogue properties? → Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)
10. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, which herb is considered the most important tonic herb and is called the 'King of Herbs'? → Ginseng
11. What type of plant constituent is berberine, the active compound found in goldenseal and barberry? → Alkaloid
12. Which part of the valerian plant is most commonly used for its sedative properties? → Root
13. Which term describes the process of allowing plant material to soak in a menstruum at room temperature without heat for an extended period? → Maceration
14. What does the herbal term 'officinalis' in a plant's Latin name typically indicate? → The plant has official medicinal use
15. May enhance the effects of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs. raises the risk of seizures when used with antidepressants and phenothiazines. → Evening primrose oil nursing considerations
16. Which assessment technique involves palpating the radial artery at the wrist to determine vitality, tissue state, and organ function? → Pulse diagnosis
17. Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) should be used cautiously by individuals with which condition? → Hypertension
18. Glycerites are herbal preparations that use glycerin as the primary menstruum and are often preferred because glycerin is: → Alcohol-free and sweet-tasting, making it suitable for children
19. In herbal medicine, what does the term 'emmenagogue' describe? → An herb that promotes menstruation
20. Which of the following plants is known for its significant interaction with conventional antidepressants due to CYP enzyme induction? → St. John's Wort
21. Iridoids found in herbs such as valerian, devil's claw, and gentian are classified within which chemical family? → Cyclopentanoid monoterpenoid compounds
22. Which part of the plant is most commonly used to make a steam distillation essential oil? → Aerial plant parts containing volatile oils
23. Quercetin, a flavonoid found abundantly in elderberry and onion skins, acts primarily as a(n): → Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihistamine compound
24. Ephedra (ma huang) was banned by the FDA in the US as a dietary supplement in 2004 due to serious risks including: → Cardiovascular events including heart attack, stroke, and death
25. What is the primary reason herbalists recommend using organic or wildcrafted herbs over conventionally grown ones? → To avoid pesticide residues and support higher phytochemical content
26. Reserpine is used in Aryuvedic medicine to treat snakebite, according to the Rig Veda. Which plant is the source of reserpine → Rauvolfia Serpentina
27. A liniment differs from a salve primarily because it is: → A liquid preparation applied externally and allowed to evaporate
28. Which factor most significantly affects the potency of a finished herbal preparation? → The quality and freshness of the raw plant material used
29. What term describes the process of soaking plant material in alcohol to extract its active constituents? → Maceration
30. Which factor most strongly determines an individual client's optimal herbal dose? → Individual variability including age, weight, vitality, metabolism, and sensitivity