Which herb is mismatched with its therapeutic use?

• A. Echinacea: colds and viral infection
• B. St. John's Wort: for mild depression
• C. Saw Palmetto: BPH
• D. Ginkgo biloba: mild sedative

Answer: (D)

Herbs are typically linked to specific effects, so spotting when a pairing doesn’t align helps you check understanding of what each plant is best known for. Echinacea is commonly used to support the body's defenses against colds and viral infections. St. John's Wort is commonly used for mild depression. Saw Palmetto is commonly used for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Ginkgo biloba, however, is not usually described as a mild sedative; its main uses relate to supporting memory and cerebral/peripheral circulation. That mismatch—Ginkgo biloba being listed as a mild sedative—makes it the incorrect pairing. (Safety note: Ginkgo can interact with anticoagulants/antiplatelets, which is good to keep in mind when considering its use.)