Traditionally for wounds, now used as laxative.

Traditionally for wounds, now used as laxative.

• A. Milk thistle
• B. Kava-kava
• C. Goldenseal
• D. Comfrey

Answer: (C)

Herbs can have multiple traditional uses, and the same plant may be valued for very different effects. Goldenseal has long been used topically on wounds because its active alkaloids have antimicrobial and healing-supporting properties. Over time, these constituents were also used to aid digestion and stimulate bowel movements, leading to its use as a laxative in some traditional practices. That combination—wound-healing topical use and later laxative use—fits the clue best. Milk thistle is mainly known for liver protection and detoxification; it isn’t a classic wound remedy or laxative. Kava-kava is used for anxiety and sleep, not wound care or laxative effects. Comfrey has been used on wounds as a topical remedy, but internal use is discouraged due to safety concerns, and it isn’t primarily recognized as a laxative.

Herbs can have multiple traditional uses, and the same plant may be valued for very different effects. Goldenseal has long been used topically on wounds because its active alkaloids have antimicrobial and healing-supporting properties. Over time, these constituents were also used to aid digestion and stimulate bowel movements, leading to its use as a laxative in some traditional practices. That combination—wound-healing topical use and later laxative use—fits the clue best.

Milk thistle is mainly known for liver protection and detoxification; it isn’t a classic wound remedy or laxative. Kava-kava is used for anxiety and sleep, not wound care or laxative effects. Comfrey has been used on wounds as a topical remedy, but internal use is discouraged due to safety concerns, and it isn’t primarily recognized as a laxative.