AP AP Herbal Medicine & Botanical Therapy

Question 1

Which herb in Chinese medicine is classified as a chief herb (jun) for tonifying Qi and is considered the 'King of Qi tonics'?

Accepted Answer

Ren Shen (Ginseng)

Answer

Ren Shen (Panax ginseng) is considered the primary Qi tonic in Chinese herbal medicine, strongly tonifying Yuan Qi and treating collapse of Qi.

Question 2

A patient presents with Liver Qi stagnation with heat signs. Which formula is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San

Answer

Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San (Rambling Powder with Moutan and Gardenia) is Xiao Yao San plus Mu Dan Pi and Zhi Zi, specifically designed for Liver Qi stagnation with heat.

Question 3

Which category of herbs is CONTRAINDICATED during pregnancy due to their strong downward-moving properties?

Accepted Answer

Drastically purgative herbs

Answer

Drastically purgative herbs such as Da Huang, Mang Xiao, and Ba Dou are contraindicated in pregnancy because their forceful downward movement can cause miscarriage.

Question 4

Which toxic herb requires special processing (pao zhi) to reduce toxicity before clinical use?

Accepted Answer

Fu Zi (Aconite)

Answer

Fu Zi (Aconite root) contains aconitine alkaloids and must be properly processed (typically soaked and boiled) to reduce its cardiotoxic and neurotoxic properties.

Question 5

In the 'Eighteen Incompatibilities' (Shi Ba Fan), Wu Tou is incompatible with which group of herbs?

Accepted Answer

Ban Xia, Gua Lou, Bai Ji, Bai Lian, Bei Mu

Answer

Wu Tou (Aconite) is incompatible with Ban Xia, Gua Lou, Bai Ji, Bai Lian, and Bei Mu according to the classical Eighteen Incompatibilities.

AP Practice Test

AP Practice Test

AP AP Herbal Medicine & Botanical Therapy