Herbal Medicine
Read Herbal Medicine and check the IELTS Reading answers. There is an age-old practice of harvesting plants and herbs in their natural environment for use as medicines. And today there is huge potential for New Zealand to develop a herb industry based on the excellent growing conditions and experti…
Passage preview
There is an age-old practice of harvesting plants and herbs in their natural environment for use as medicines. And today there is huge potential for New Zealand to develop a herb industry based on the excellent growing conditions and expertise there, according to Phil Rasmussen, a pharmacist and medical herbalist. Take arnica for example, a popular pharmaceutical herb used to treat bruises and joint problems. Traditionally collected by Romanian communities in Europe, it is now in high demand worldwide as interest develops in the capabilities of the small alpine plant. A 2008 report for the Plant and Food Research organization concluded that New Zealand has a good opportunity to cultivate arnica flowers and roots for the international markets. However, the initiative was stopped in its tracks when the government abruptly halted funding for the research programme. It was an unjustified move, according to agronomist Malcolm Douglas, based on a number of inaccurate views about weed invasion.
Vocabulary from this passage
9 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- curricula noun
The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college (plural of curriculum)
Universities are updating their engineering curricula to include more focus on renewable energy.
- detractor noun
A person who disparages someone or something; a critic who seeks to reduce the value of something
Despite his success, the politician still has many detractors who question his motives.
- obsolete adjective
No longer produced or used; out of date, often replaced by something new
Rapid technological advancements have rendered many early computer models obsolete.
- pharmaceutical adjective
Relating to medicinal drugs, or their preparation, use, or sale
Strict regulations govern the pharmaceutical industry to ensure patient safety.
- prohibitively adverb
To a degree that prevents something from being done or used, typically due to high cost
The cost of living in the city center has become prohibitively high for most students.
- robust adjective
Strong and healthy; vigorous; able to withstand or overcome adverse conditions
The company needs a robust financial strategy to survive the economic downturn.
- shun verb
To persistently avoid, ignore, or reject someone or something through antipathy or caution
The community tended to shun those who did not conform to traditional social norms.
- streamline verb
To make an organization or system more efficient and effective by employing faster or simpler working methods
The administration aims to streamline the application process to reduce waiting times.
- undermine verb
To erode the base or foundation of; to lessen the effectiveness, power, or ability of
Constant criticism can undermine the confidence of even the most experienced professionals.
Answers with explanations
- 14. D
The paragraph mentions **global pharmaceutical companies** (large corporations) showing interest by **buying up** brands or developing their own. This matches the description of 'interest shown by large corporations'. Answer: D.
- 15. A
The paragraph specifically names **arnica** and lists its uses: to **treat bruises and joint problems**. This matches the description of 'examples of the uses of one particular herbal medicine'. Answer: A.
- 16. F
The paragraph discusses the argument that **more regulation** would be **prohibitively expensive** for everyone except large manufacturers, implying **small companies** cannot afford it. This serves as a warning about the cost of strict controls. Answer: F.
- 17. E
The paragraph quotes an expert (Rasmussen) stating that herbal medicine **doesn't do everything** (limitation) but **does a lot** for preventative care (effectiveness). This matches the statement about effectiveness and limitations. Answer: E.
- 18. pain
The summary mentions Maori people consuming plants for food and to help deal with ______. The text states plants were a source of **nutrition** (food) and taken for the relief of **pain**. Answer: pain.
- 19. book
The summary mentions a ______ by James Neil showing the value of plants. The text states that in his **book**, Neil described valuable herbs. The blank requires a noun representing the publication. Answer: book.
- 20. law
The summary states use was made difficult by a new ______. The text explains that in 1908 the government passed a **law** that restricted practice. Answer: law.
- 21. course
The summary states institutions started offering a ______ in the subject. The text says it became possible to complete a **course** at polytechnics. Answer: course.
- 22. A
The statement argues for **restrictions** on where you can buy medicines (not in supermarkets). The text attributes this view to **Rasmussen**, who argues some herbs should require a **prescription** and not be available in supermarkets. Answer: A.
- 23. B
The statement claims authorities stopped a project **without a good reason** (unjustified). The text attributes the description of the move as **unjustified** to **Malcolm Douglas**. Answer: B.
- 24. D
The statement links the industry to an **effect on the environment**. The text attributes the concern about the **impact on the local ecosystem** (environment) from wild harvesting to **Isla Burgess**. Answer: D.
- 25. A
The statement claims NZ has the **human resources** (expertise) and **natural environment** (growing conditions) for commerce. The text attributes this view on **potential** to **Phil Rasmussen**. Answer: A.
- 26. C
The statement argues certification is **essential** (necessary) despite the **cost** (expensive). The text attributes the view that assurance is **expensive but necessary** for export to **Sandra Clair**. Answer: C.