Natural Health School
Final Evaluation

Directions: Select the best answer for each of the following questions and then click on the submit button.

  1. What is an herb?

    A seed producing plant that does not develop persistent woody tissue but dies down at the end of the growing season.
    A plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities.
    Both of the above are correct.

  2. What is the difference between a drug and an herb?

    Herbs are derived from plants, drugs are not.
    Drugs are prescribed by physicians, herbs are not.
    An herb is a plant part in its entirety, while a drug is a synthesized copy of one chemical component, such as a component found in an herb.

  3. The action of two or more substances such that the total effect is greater than the sum of the individual effects is referred to as . . .

    herbalism
    holism
    synergism
    agnosticism

  4. True or False: Due to the fact that we spend more money per person on health care in the United States than in any other country, we experience better health than any other industrialized nation.

    True
    False

  5. This plant, used by the Chinese for at least 5,000 years, is the herb from which Western scientists have derived the modern drug ephedrine:

    echinacea
    ma huang
    ginseng
    melaleuca

  6. The ancient Indian (East) system of herbal medicine is known as . . .

    Ayurveda
    Materia medica
    Hatha yoga
    Hinduism

  7. This Greek physician and herbalists, often referred to as the "Father of Modern Medicine," is credited with having written, "Let your Foods be your medicines, and your medicines your food."

    Euripides
    Pythagoras
    Galen
    Hippocrates

  8. From the Australian Aborigines we discovered this herb, which was used by British soldiers during World War II as an antiseptic for wounds:

    ma huang or ephedra
    uña de gato or cat's claw
    tea tree oil or melaleuca
    kangaroo claw

  9. The suffix -itis, as in arthritis and neuritis means . . .

    joint
    inflammation
    infection
    nerve

  10. The word doctor comes from the Latin and means . . .

    teacher
    therapist
    healer

  11. Which of the following means inflammation of the urinary bladder?

    appendicitis
    colitis
    cystitis
    cholangitis
    cholecystitis

  12. What does hyperthyroidism mean?

    an underactive thyroid gland
    an overactive thyroid gland
    neither of the above

  13. Where does the herb pygeum (Prunus africana) come from?

    Australia
    Africa
    North America
    Asia

  14. An agent that increases sexual drive is known as a(n) . . .

    annual
    aphrodisiac
    sativum
    vermifuge

  15. What is the most fundamental tenet of natural health philosophy?

    The body has the ability to heal itself.
    Germs are the cause of disease.
    Heredity is more important than environment.

  16. According to Natural Health Philosophy . . .

    Prevention is considered better than a cure.
    The innate healing power of the human body is recognized and supported.
    Doctors are expected to teach.
    People should have a greater role in the decisions that affect their health.
    all of the above

  17. The body attempts to maintain a state of equilibrium in its internal environment. This is referred to as . . .

    holism
    herbalism
    homeopathy
    homeostasis

  18. True or False: Many of the great plagues that have befallen humankind in the past have been the result of unclean living conditions.

    True
    False

  19. The digestion of proteins, which occurs primarily in the stomach, requires a very acid environment, provided in the stomach by ____________.

    bile
    saliva
    pancreatic juices
    HCL (hydrochloric acid)

  20. The substance secreted by the liver and stored in the gall bladder and released into the small intestines for the emulsification of fats is __________.

    bile
    saliva
    pancreatic juice
    HCL (hydrochloric acid)

  21. Which of the following enzymes help break down fats (lipids)?

    protease
    lipase
    cellulase
    amylase

  22. The beneficial bacteria that are found in the body and that are essential to good health are known as __________.

    fiber
    flora
    fauna
    febrile

  23. Medical science has discovered that many stomach problems, including ulcers, are associated with a bacteria called __________.

    Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
    Escherichia coli (E. coli)
    Streptococcus
    Staphylococcus
    Lactobacillus acidophilus

  24. During digestion, food material passes from the small intestine to the large intestine (colon) via the . . .

    ileocecal valve
    cardiac sphincter
    pyloric sphincter
    appendix
    none of the above

  25. ____________ , also known as Piles, are dilated veins in the anus and rectum caused primarily by insufficient dietary fiber and straining.

    hemorrhoids
    colitis
    diverticulosis
    halitosis

  26. True or False: Most of the problems that can occur with the colon are at least in part due to insufficient dietary fiber.

    True
    False

  27. True or False: The three most common causes of death in the United States are heart disease, cancer, and adult-onset diabetes (in that order). Medical research has confirmed that insufficient dietary fiber is a major cause of all three diseases!

    True
    False

  28. The lymphatic system serves . . .

    to collect and recycle fluid that has leaked out of the capillaries.
    to phagocytize, or ingest, bacteria, old red blood cells, etc.
    to phagocytize, or ingest, impurities such as toxins and cellular waste.
    as an important part of the immune system.
    all of the above

  29. The blood cells responsible for the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide are the . . .

    platelets
    lymphocytes
    white blood cells
    red blood cells
    all of the above

  30. Pernicious anemia results when the person's stomach fails to produce intrinsic factor, which is necessary for the normal absorption of vitamin . . .

    B-1
    B-6
    B-12
    C

  31. The single major cause of artery disease is ___________, the thickening and hardening of arterial walls by deposits of fatty materials.

    obesity
    phlebitis
    aneurysm
    arteriosclerosis

  32. This herb has been shown to be effective in helping normalize high blood pressure. It has also proven useful as a "blood thinner," since it inhibits blood clotting; and has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels for those who have high serum cholesterol.

    hawthorn
    garlic
    coenzyme Q-10
    selenium
    ginkgo

  33. This herb is widely used by herbalists around the world for cardiac problems, particularly to strengthen a weakened heart. Scientists have discovered that it also dilates blood vessels allowing blood to flow more freely and thereby lowers the blood pressure. It also acts directly on the heart muscle to help heal damaged heart tissue.

    hawthorn
    garlic
    coenzyme Q-10
    selenium
    ginkgo

  34. This "vitamin-like" enzyme and strong antioxidant is necessary for the cells to produce energy. Studies have shown that most heart patients are deficient in this enzyme and that supplementation can sometimes dramatically relieve heart disease symptoms. Remarkable results have been noted particularly in patients with congestive heart failure.

    hawthorn
    garlic
    coenzyme Q-10
    selenium
    ginkgo

  35. This trace mineral is synergistic with Vitamin E and has been shown to help protect against coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral vascular disease. Animals who have had their diets supplemented with this mineral have been found to live 50% longer.

    hawthorn
    garlic
    coenzyme Q-10
    selenium
    ginkgo

  36. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is called upon to stimulate and prepare the body for emergency action, such as in the "fight or flight" response?

    sympathetic
    parasympathetic
    central
    peripheral
    none of the above

  37. Substances such as serotonin and GABA, which are produced in the nerve cell and released across the synapse to transmit a signal to a neighboring nerve cell, are referred to as __________.

    neurotransmitters
    ions
    drugs
    amino acids

  38. The neurotransmitter that is usually found to be low in cases depression is ________.

    acetylcholine
    serotonin
    dopamine
    GABA

  39. The neurotransmitter that is also an amino acid and which is involved in slowing down nerve activity, thus having a calming effect on the mind, is ___________.

    acetylcholine
    serotonin
    dopamine
    GABA

  40. The hormone that is secreted by the pineal gland to induce sleep is __________.

    acetylcholine
    serotonin
    dopamine
    melatonin

  41. This herb is widely used for depression. Among its active ingredients are hypericin and hyperforin, although its total benefits are the result of a synergistic interaction of all its naturally-occuring indredients.

    hops
    kava kava
    St. John's wort
    valerian
    ginkgo

  42. This herb comes from the rhizome of the pepper plant, Piper methysticum, which is found in Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. It is widely used for a nervous system relaxant for stress.

    hops
    kava kava
    St. John's wort
    valerian
    ginkgo

  43. The name of this herb comes from a Latin word which means "to be in good health." It has been used for centuries as a natural tranquilizer and to promote good sleep.

    hops
    kava kava
    St. John's wort
    valerian
    ginkgo

  44. Although it is perhaps best known for its use in beer brewing, this herb is valuable in the world of nutritional herbology for its sedative effect and for its ability to help induce sleep. It is one of the three ingredients in the popular sleep combination known as Herbal Sleep.

    hops
    kava kava
    St. John's wort
    valerian
    ginkgo

  45. Scientists have discovered that this herb contains natural chemicals called parthenolides, which are responsible for most of the herb's benefits. It is best known for its ability to help migraine sufferers.

    kudzu
    chamomile
    passion flower
    feverfew

  46. Which of the following herbs is a popular late night herbal tea sold around the world in grocery stores and health-food stores. It contains the amino acid tryptophan which helps boost serotonin levels in the brain which is helpful for sleep and mood.

    kudzu
    chamomile
    passion flower
    feverfew

  47. What herb was referred to in the book Miracle Cures as "herbal Antabuse." (Antabuse is a prescription drug often given to alcoholics to keep them from drinking.) The herb does not cause a potential for nausea and vomiting, like Antabuse, but it is helpful in curbing the craving for alcohol. Used in combination with St. John's Wort for mood, this is part of a powerful combination to nutritionally aid alcoholics who are desiring to quit.

    kudzu
    chamomile
    passion flower
    feverfew

  48. What is our best defense against cancer?

    the American Cancer Society
    a strong immune system
    antibiotic drugs
    magnets

  49. Which of the following is part of the body's natural defenses against foreign invaders?

    the skin
    mucus in lungs and nasal passages
    acids and enzymes in the digestive tract
    the immune system
    all of the above

  50. True or False: The lymph moves through the body by way of one-way valves, aided by the compression of lymph vessels when the muscles of the body contract.

    True
    False

  51. One function of the immune system is to recognize and eliminate cancer cells that arise within the body. This process is known as . . .

    autoimmune
    immune surveillance
    cell-mediated immunity
    humoral immunity

  52. This herb from the Peruvian rain forest received its name because it has thorns that resemble the claws of a cat:

    grapine
    echinacea
    catnip
    uña de gato

  53. The symptoms of allergies are brought about when the body releases certain chemicals, including __________, as a response to being exposed to an allergen.

    hormones
    neurotransmitters
    adrenaline
    histamine

  54. Asthma can be triggered by . . .

    allergies
    infection
    emotional factors
    all of the above
    none of the above

  55. True or False: Other than the obvious food allergies, diet has little to do with Asthma.

    True
    False

  56. The yeast-like fungus that often goes undiagnosed and which is often involved in chronic respiratory problems is . . .

    Cryptococcus
    Aspergillus
    Escherichia coli
    Candida albicans

  57. Proanthocyanidins (previously known by the trade name pycnogenols) are powerful antioxidants that come primarily from . . .

    A. grapefruit
    B. grape seeds
    C. white willow bark
    D. pine bark
    E. B and D
    F. A and C

  58. Respiratory conditions in which there is a deficiency of mucus, or the mucus is thick and yellowish, are said to be _____ conditions.

    damp
    dry
    hot
    cold

  59. Respiratory conditions in which there is an excess of mucus are said to be ________ conditions.

    damp
    dry
    hot
    cold

  60. This bitter herb, also known as "Indian Tobacco," is native to North America, has antispasmodic and expectorant actions and is excellent for clearing the lungs. A few drops of an extract made from this herb, held under the tongue, along with a couple of drops rubbed onto the chest or upper back, can often stop an asthma attack very quickly.

    lobelia
    mullein
    thyme
    uña de gato

  61. For respiratory problems, essential oils are used in the following way:

    diffusion
    massage
    in the bath
    inhalation
    all of the above

  62. Known to the lay person mostly for its "fat burning" ability, this Chinese herb, also known as Ma huang, is a powerful natural antihistamine and bronchial dilator.

    mullein
    fenugreek
    ginseng
    ephedra

  63. Otitis media, or a middle ear infection, can result when this becomes blocked due to excess mucus, excessively thick mucus, and/or swelling of the membranes.

    sinuses
    eustachian tube
    pharynx
    bronchi

  64. The pineal, pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands are examples of what type of glands?

    exocrine glands
    endocrine glands
    lacrimal glands

  65. A chemical messenger secreted by an endocrine gland into the bloodstream is referred to as a(n):

    adaptogen
    antioxidant
    hormone

  66. The pineal gland helps put us to sleep by secreting . . .

    insulin
    thyroxin
    adrenaline
    melatonin
    TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

  67. Particularly important for the thyroid gland is the trace mineral found in kelp known as . . .

    iron
    iodine
    vanadium
    manganese
    magnesium

  68. Which of the following herbs is best known as an adaptogen?

    dong quai
    saw palmetto
    red raspberry
    Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng)

  69. Which of the following herbs has traditionally been used by pregnant women to facilitate delivery, prevent miscarriage, and alleviate morning sickness?

    dong quai
    saw palmetto
    red raspberry
    Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng)

  70. Which of the following minerals is helpful in eliminating cravings and is the most important for helping the pancreas control blood sugar levels?

    iodine
    chromium
    calcium
    magnesium

  71. The most common organism found in urinary tract infections (UTI's) is . . .

    Escherichia coli (E. coli)
    Streptococcus
    Staphylococcus
    Acidophilus

  72. The most common reason that the elderly are put in nursing homes is . . .

    senile dementia.
    urinary tract infections.
    urinary incontinence.
    Alzheimer's disease.

  73. Hydrangea root (Hydrangea arborescens) is a bitter herb that is antilithic, which means that it . . .

    dissolves urinary stones.
    cures urinary tract infections.
    helps incontinence.
    promotes the flow of urine.

  74. A diuretic is a substance that . . .

    dissolves urinary stones.
    cures urinary tract infections.
    helps incontinence.
    promotes the flow of urine.

  75. The __________ gland is a walnut-sized gland that surrounds the neck of the bladder and the urethra in males only.

    prostate
    thymus
    pineal
    testes

  76. Which of the following herbs has traditionally been used by men for prostate problems?

    ginger
    saw palmetto
    red raspberry
    Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng)

  77. Excessive movement which could dislocate a joint is prevented by strong elastic connective tissues, known as ligaments, which cross the joint. If a joint is forcefully extended beyond its normal range of motion, ligaments can tear resulting in a ________.

    sprain
    strain
    fracture
    bursitis

  78. What is the most common form of arthritis?

    osteoarthritis
    gout
    osteoporosis
    rheumatoid arthritis

  79. Which of the following nutrients is found in certain foods such as apples and may be helpful for muscle conditions such as fibromyalgia?

    ascorbic acid
    creatine
    citric acid
    malic acid

  80. Known as the "Father of All Herbs," this herb has a long history of traditional use for joint problems, particularly arthritis. It is highly nutritious, sending its roots deep into the soil where the best trace mineral deposits are found.

    yucca
    alfalfa
    ginger
    uña de gato

  81. This fibrous protein, which makes up skin, bone, tendons, and cartilage, is the most abundant protein in the body.

    collagen
    keratin
    glutamine
    actin

  82. Also known as fibromyositis and myofascial pain syndrome, this term refers to a chronic condition of unknown cause resulting in pain in the fibrous tissues, muscles, ligaments and tendons. The condition occurs mainly in women and is often associated with depression, sleeping problems, irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue. In fact, most experts consider chronic fatigue syndrome to be the same condition.

    fibromyalgia
    osteoarthritis
    gout
    osteoporosis

  83. Homeopathy traces its roots to the 19th century German physician . . .

    Samuel Hahnemann
    Jonas Salk
    Arthur Hassall
    Edwin Harrison

  84. A placebo works because . . .

    the subject believes that it works.
    it is all-natural.
    it is powerful medicine.
    it is just what the patient needs.

  85. True or False: Homeopathic formulations should not be taken along with herbs.

    True
    False

  86. A "3X" on the bottle of a homeopathic preparation indicates . . .

    that the product should be taken three times a day.
    that the product should be taken three times a week.
    that the ingredient has been diluted and potentiated 3 times.
    that the product should not be given to children.

  87. The Ayurvedic system of herbalism traces its roots back five thousand years to . . .

    the Kunlun Mountains of Tibet
    the Himalayan Mountains of India
    the Gobi region of China
    the Nile valley of Egypt

  88. Which of the following statements does not characterize Ayurvedic philosophy?

    Illnesses of the mind are just as important as illnesses of the body.
    In order to avoid illness and pain, one must control the destructive (and self-destructive) nature.
    Living in harmony with the environment is essential to one's mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
    Prevention is more desirable than a cure.
    Treatment should focus on the symptom, rather than the underlying cause.

  89. The ideal of Ayurvedic medicine is to develop an individual's natural resistance to disease to the point where one's _______ system can function as one's best medicine.

    cardiovascular
    immune
    nervous
    intestinal
    respiratory

  90. Herbalists who draw upon various traditions (e.g., Chinese, Ayurvedic, etc.)—choosing what appears to be the best for any given situation—are referred to as . . .

    eclectic
    mixers
    confused
    synergistic
    holistic

  91. Beneficial bacteria living inside the human body that are essential to our health because they prevent the growth of harmful organisms such as yeast and fungi are known as . . .

    flora
    fauna
    phytonutrients
    enzymes

  92. In the "A, B, C plus D" approach to natural health the "A" stands for . . .

    activate
    alleviate
    an Apple a Day
    Advil

  93. In the "A, B, C plus D" approach to natural health the "B" stands for . . .

    break
    build
    body
    bonus

  94. In the "A, B, C plus D" approach to natural health the "C" stands for . . .

    contaminate
    chastise
    cleanse
    colon

  95. In the "A, B, C plus D" approach to natural health the "D" stands for . . .

    drive
    delineate
    direct deposit
    direct aid

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