Final Examination on Herbalism Paper Example

Please answer the following questions using no more than 150 words for each. Incorporate the questions within your answers (eg. the number of days in the year is 365)

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Q1. Describe the definition of "Basic Botany".

Basic botany is the study of the primary parts of a plant like a stem, roots, leaves, and so on. It is imperative to note that the beginners in this field are usually taught basic parts of a plant to act as an introductory lesson to the field of botany. Thus, the lessons include understanding the structure of each part of the plant as well as their function.

Q2. Explain the process of "photosynthesis".

Photosynthesis is a process in which plants, certain bacteria, and algae harness light into chemical energy. Photosynthesis uses water, sunlight, and carbon dioxide substrates. On the other hand, it produces glucose and oxygen as the products. The process is divided into light reaction and dark reaction stage. The light reaction stage also called energy fixing reaction, is the first stage of photosynthesis. It begins in the thylakoid membrane in which the chlorophyll absorbs sunlight, which is then converted into chemical energy. It is important to note that the chemical energy is in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). On the other hand, the dark reaction stage takes place in the absence of light energy. However, it requires products from light reaction stage to function. In this stage, ATP molecules are used to manufacture carbohydrate molecules. The overall equation is as shown below.

Q3. Give examples of '4' different types of plant life

Plant life is divided into four types which include angiosperms, pteridophytes, bryophytes, and gymnosperms, which each type having specific examples of plants. To begin with, angiosperms are flowering plants and they include plants such as sunflower, hibiscus, and so on. On the other hand, pteridophytes are plants with no vascular systems and include horsetails and ferns. The third type, bryophytes, refers to plants that do not produce seeds. Examples include hornworts, liverworts, and mosses among others. Lastly, gymnosperms produce seeds within a cone and they include plants such as cypress and so on.

Q4. Summarize your understanding of "Herbalism" (not more than 200 words).

Herbalism involves the use of crude plant parts for the nutritional or medicinal purpose. The plant parts used include stems, seeds, roots, barks, fruits, and so on. As a matter of fact, plants have acted as fundamental medical treatment since time immemorial. The scope of herbalism also includes and fungal products. Plants produce toxic chemicals that they use to defend themselves against predators. Interestingly, these toxic chemicals have medicinal effects on human body. The chemical compounds in these plants bind to human receptor molecules to give a medicinal effect on the human body. Imperatively, the today's society still practices traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Herbalism also refers to as phytotherapy or herbal medicine. There are various names given to herbalism products. These include herbal remedies, botanicals, herbal medicines, phytotherapies, or natural health products. Practitioners of herbalism are commonly referred to as phytotherapists or herbalists. Nit is worthy to pinpoint that herbalism has led to the development of modern-day medicine or pharmaceuticals through the commercial extraction of chemical compounds from herbal plants.

Q5. What is your understanding of "Galenism" and "physiomedicalism"?

Galenism refers to a medical philosophy that regards illness as the body's elemental humor imbalance. These body humor include blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile, with each humor having two natures of cold or hot and moist or dry. For a healthy person, a state of balance exists as a result of the maintenance of the four humor balance by a vital force called qowwat-e modabbera. Notably, when the vital force weakens, it results in humor imbalance which makes the causes body illness.

On the other hand, physiomedicalism refers to a practice or doctrine of natural healing which entirely uses herbal medicines. Just like Galenism, this doctrine stipulates that a vital force governs the living system and that diseases invade the body if these vital forces are disrupted.

Q6. Define the difference between 'Cooling and Warming' herbs. List '4' conditions where each would be applied

Warming herbs induce gentle heat to the human body by correcting coldness tendency that was introduced to the body intentionally or accidentally. These herbs reduce pain that cold has on the body. Examples of warming herbs include chamomile, licorice, and cleavers among others. Cooling herbs, on the other hand, are used to correct heat induced into the body. Examples of these herbs include beets, violet, dandelion, cucumber, and so on.

The conditions for application of warming and cooling herbs are categorized into four. The first degree of condition for warming herbs includes treatment of conditions such as an unnatural cold. The second condition involves application in cases of obstructions to open skin pores. The third and fourth degree or condition involves cases of strong obstruction to cause sweating. On its part, cooling herbs are applicable in the following conditions: unnatural heat, strong stomachaches, hot livers, and to stop the desperate pain.

Q7. How many methods are there for Administering Herbs? Give descriptions of each procedure.

There are many methods that can be used to administer methods. The common procedures include tinctures, herbal elixirs and wine, and macerates.

Tinctures

Tinctures involve extraction of alcoholic herb content by combining pure ethanol, usually 100% concentration, with the herb. The resultant solution is then distilled to produce 40-60% ethanol concentration.

Herbal Elixirs and Wine

Herbal elixirs and wine involve the extraction of the alcoholic content of herbs using ethanol that has between 12 and 38% concentration. Maceration of plant herbs in wine is referred to as herbal wine while herb maceration in spirits is called an elixir.

Macerates

The procedure for administering macerates involves the cold infusion of parts of a plant with a high content of mucilage such as thyme and sage. In this procedure, chopped plant parts are soaked in cold water and left for 7-12 hours. For most macerates, the ideal time for soaking is 10 hours.

Q8. Describe the functions of a 'Herbal Tonic'. List '2' describing their 'actions', and method of application

Herbal tonic has numerous functions that include treatment method for every disease, producing energetic and synergetic effects on the body, and supporting numerous body functions among other functions. A herbal tonic strengthens the human body as well as restoring metabolism rebalance that generates normal body functioning.

Q9. Describe the actions of the following:

Flax, Helonias Root, Echinacea and Coltsfoot

Flax contains essential fatty acids that are rich in omega-3. In addition, it contains high fiber that produces beneficial effects on the body. These chemical compounds enable flax to be used as emollient, tropical demulcent, and laxative. Moreover, flux helps in the treatment of colds, unary tract infections, and coughs.

Helonias Root is useful for hormone balance in women as well as maintaining their reproductive health. It is essential to note that Helonias Root supports a healthy and smooth female cycle.

Echinacea is used to combat common colds and flu through enhancement of the immune system. It is also used to alleviate illnesses and conditions such as acid indigestion, diphtheria, genital herpes, migraine, gum disease, and malaria among others.

Coltsfoot contains constituents such as tannins, mucilage, and bitter glycosides which have anti-inflammatory properties for curing coughs.

Q10. Explain the preparation methods of the Bach Flower remedies - for what ailments are they generally employed?

Bach flower remedies are made using three principal steps. The first step entails preparation of mother tinctures from natural spring water and plant material using a boiling method or the sun. The second method involves mixing energized spring water from the first method with 40% quantity of brandy. It is important to note that the brandy's role is to preserve the remedy. The final method entails making a stock bottle in which 30 ml of the brandy that is 27% concentrated is added to the prepared mother tincture.

Bach flower remedy treats both physical and mental ailments. Therefore, it is extensively used to treat depression, lack of concentration, skin disorders, and compulsive obsessive-compulsive behaviors among others.

Q11. With reference to the herbs Sage and Yarrow, what do their names tell you about them?

Sage means offering a great experience to the users while yarrow means a thousand leaves. This implies that sage and yarrow herbs enable their users to have a boundless experience while using them. For instance, they are used as food additives, a situation that makes their users have improved appetite and satisfaction. In addition, they are used for cured meats, stuffing, and sausages. Moreover, sage and yarrow are used to relieve Alzheimer's disease, lowering blood glucose and cholesterol level, and alleviation of menopausal symptoms. Thus, it is evident that sage and yarrow alleviate a variety of user's ailments, thereby providing optimal satisfaction to their users.

Q12. Outline a way in which Elecampane could be used to help someone suffering from asthma, bronchitis or catarrh, without actually administering it internally. Describe the method and equipment which would be needed.

Elecampane is useful in alleviating conditions such as lung conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. Usually, elecampane is administered externally as a diffuser. The equipment that could be needed is essential oil diffuser. The method of administering elecampane externally is through adding boiling water to emit an infused steam which is then inhaled to clear the breathing system and soothe coughs. This helps in the alleviation of bronchitis and asthma.

Q13. A middle-aged obese woman suffering from constipation, rheumatism and under-active thyroid requires a tonic. What herb would you recommend and what precautions and limitations would there be?

I would recommend Aloe Vera. This herb is naturally laxative which makes it avert constipation problems. In addition, it is anti-inflammatory which helps in the alleviation of rheumatism. Furthermore, aloe vera helps in blood sugar regulation, thus helping to minimize or eradicate additional weight gain to the obese woman. However, this herb has side effects that may be detrimental to the body. It decreases blood sugar as well as enhancing gastrointestinal side effects. The precaution in using aloe vera among pregnant mothers is that when administered internally, it produces a purgative substance which affects the unborn baby. On the contrary, aloe vera has no side effect when externally administered to a pregnant woman.

Q14. Name '3' cooling herbs which have had a medicinal use for centuries, according to the 'Doctrine of Signatures', which 'signature' do these refer to?

Three cooling herbs that were used for centuries for the medicinal purpose are sage, lavender, and rosemary. According to the" Doctrine of Signatures", this refers to "Signature in Renaissance Herbalism."

Q15. What historical significance surrounds the Homoeopathic herb "China", for what ailments would you use this herb? Explain your answer.

Homeopathic china herb had historical significance as it enabled treatment of a wide range of ailments. This herb revolutionized the modern day pharmaceutical industry as its extracts have been used to manufacture a variety...