Sahityaki Quizzes - 2001

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Medical Trivia Quiz Finals - Herbal Round

Name the plant or the tree in each case.

1. 

This plant is called the poor man’s treacle. Culpeper said it was a remedy for all diseases and hurts. It is a traditional remedy for coughs, colds, bronchitis, and respiratory catarrah. Regular use helps prevent colds by strengthening the immune system; it helps lower both raised blood pressures and blood cholesterol.

2. 

This plant was used in weddings as a symbol of love and loyalty, often being incorporated in bridal wreaths. It is earnestly believed to grow strongly in the kitchen gardens of households where the woman rules supreme. It is a treasured plant for beekeepers, making a particularly scented honey, and has been used to flavour both wine and ale. A shrub with distinct leathery, needle-like leaves with blue-green hue. Used as a stimulant in exhaustion, depression and debility; stimulant to peripheral circulation in migraines and skin diseases; and a rubifacient.

3.

It is said that witches live in the tree and their permission must be asked before any part of the plant is harvested. Burning the wood still brings the superstitious all manners of bad luck but sprigs hung in houses ward off evil witches. It is the symbol of sorrow and death. It is believed the crucifixion cross was fashioned from its wood and that Judas hanged himself from one of these trees. All parts of the tree are useful and so many are their medicinal uses that it is called the people’s medicine chest. Useful cold and flu remedy, controlling the fever and reducing catarrh production; leaves and bark useful as mouthwash and healer of minor burns.

4.

Called Jimson weed and Jamestown weed after an incident in 1676 when a garrison of troops were disabled for several days by its effects which include double vision, urine retention, and hallucinations. Its fumes were inhaled to cure asthma in traditional Indian medicine.

5.

These trees go very tall. Female trees produce yellow plum-like fruits which when ripe look like little brains. When these fall down and get squashed, they give off a very disgusting odour. The seed is considered a delicacy in China. It is said to improve the memory. A mild tea prior to bedtime will help remember dreams. It has been found to contain antioxidants, and a class of compounds which dilate the microcapillaries, especially of brain.

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