USUS UKUKIndiaIndia

Every Question Helps You Learn

Join Us
Streak
Leading Streak Today
Your Streak Today
Streak
Leading Streak Today
Your Streak Today
Herbs and Spices - Miscellaneous Herbs
Parsley is a very versatile culinary herb.

Herbs and Spices - Miscellaneous Herbs

Most herbs fall into one of two categories: culinary (for cooking, eating and drinking) or medicinal (for healing and alleviating the effects of various ailments) but some fit into neither of these groups. For instance there are herbs used for sacred and religious purposes, herbs used to bestow good luck and yet others to keep away vermin.

This quiz provides an insight into some of the more unusual uses for herbs. Don't forget to click on any of the pictures if you want to enlarge them. Good luck!

1 .
What is the name of this herb?
Photograph courtesy of Raffi Kojian
Purple coneflower
Pennyroyal
Saffron
Mistletoe
  • Latin Name: Mentha pulegium.
  • A member of the mint family with the typical strong smell of that family.
  • Many varied uses over the centuries amongst which are:
  • Purifying drinking water.
  • Remedy for sea sickness.
  • Put in the bedding of pets to keep away fleas.
  • Insect repellent.
2 .
What is the name of this herb?
Photograph courtesy of Ulf Eliasson
Angelica
Cedar
Purple coneflower
Rose
  • Latin Name: Echinacea purpurea.
  • The genus name is Greek for 'hedgehog' no doubt because of the spiky central disc of the flower.
  • The common name is also derived from the appearance of the centre of the flower.
  • It is widely believed that the plant stimulates the body's immune system and thereby prevents diseases and infections.
3 .
What is the name of this herb?
Photograph courtesy of Wallygrom
Lavender
Purple coneflower
Chamomile
Angelica
  • One of the most beautifully aromatic plants of British gardens where it is often used to attract butterflies.
  • Retains its scent when dried and this makes it a firm favourite for use in cosmetics and toiletries.
  • Used to make tea and ice cream as well as to perfume linens and make perfumed candles.
  • Grown commercially on a large scale in Norfolk.
4 .
What is the name of this herb?
Photograph courtesy of Bob Osborn
Angelica
Saffron
Mistletoe
Lavender
  • Preparations made from the root can prevent acne on the face and athlete's foot but the roots should not be eaten - they are sometimes used as an insecticide!
  • When eaten the plant leaves prevent scurvy and because it is widespread and grows freely it has often been used for this purpose.
  • Leaves can be made into a general tonic and it is said to 'strengthen the heart'.
5 .
What is the name of this herb?
Photograph courtesy of Wallygrom
Cedar
Purple coneflower
Vervain
Pennyroyal
  • A number of plants in at least 3 different genera are often referred to by this common name.
  • Plants are distinguished by having aromatic wood.
  • The oils that give the wood its scent also make it resistant to rotting.
  • Oil extracts are used in candles and burning these is said to fight insomnia.
6 .
What is the name of this herb?
Photograph courtesy of www.geograph.org.uk/profile/13903
Rose
Angelica
Mistletoe
Chamomile
  • Latin Name: Chamomile.
  • Used to sooth and soften the skin.
  • As an ingredient in hair shampoo it is said to lighten the colour of blond hair.
  • In aromatherapy it is used for calming and rejuvenating.
  • It is claimed that extracts from the plant help with everything from acne to depression and from headaches to sunburn!
7 .
What is the name of this herb?
Photograph courtesy of Stan Shebs
Pennyroyal
Vervain
Purple coneflower
Rose
  • Latin Name: Rosa rubiginosa.
  • Sometimes known as sweet briar.
  • Fresh flower petals can be floated on water to add fragrance to a room and when dried the petals make an excellent ingredient for pot pourri.
  • Leaves smell strongly of apple.
  • One of the most highly prized flowering plants to add scent to a garden.
  • Plant in a south or west corner so that gentle summer breezes carry the fragrance throughout the garden.
8 .
What is the name of this herb?
Photograph courtesy of http://www.biolib.de/
Rose
Saffron
Vervain
Lavender
  • Latin Name: Verbena bonariensis.
  • Also known as pigeonweed, holy herb and herb of grace.
  • In ancient witchcraft a cold infusion of the plant was said to be valuable to make an unwanted person leave.
  • Verbena in Latin means 'holy plant' and in ancient times it was used in various rites and incantations.
  • Long considered a cure-all for many different ailments.
  • It is still used externally to treat cuts and grazes.
9 .
What is the name of this herb?
Photograph courtesy of www.geograph.org.uk/profile/8569
Chamomile
Saffron
Cedar
Pennyroyal
  • Latin Name: Crocus sativus hybrid.
  • This spice has been treasured for thousands of years and it remains the most expensive spice in the world.
  • In 2011 it can be bought in the UK for about £8.00 per gram.
  • The part of the plant used to create the spice is the dried stigmas of the flowers.
  • The taste is slightly bitter.
  • It smells a little like hay.
  • Used as a colouring agent (golden yellow) in food.
10 .
What is the name of this herb?
Photograph courtesy of Pauline Eccles
Mistletoe
Lavender
Vervain
Cedar
  • Latin Name: Viscum album.
  • It is a semi-parasite and as such needs a tree to grow on, most often apple, hawthorn, lime and poplar but it is sometimes seen in other trees.
  • Considered sacred by the druids because in the dead of winter its host tree would be bare of leaves but this plant would seem to be still flourishing.
  • A surefire way of securing a kiss at Christmas!

 

Author:  Colin King

© Copyright 2016-2024 - Education Quizzes
Work Innovate Ltd - Design | Development | Marketing