Botany & Plants
Test your knowledge of Medicinal & Culinary Herbs with a free trivia word search from thewordfind.com. Read each clue, work out the answer, then find it hidden in the letter grid — every puzzle is freshly generated, so no two plays are ever quite the same. Don't know an answer? Tap the hint button in-game to reveal the first letter, or just scan the grid — every answer is hiding in there somewhere. Between the clues and the full answer key below, this topic doubles as a quick study guide — good for a trivia night, a classroom quiz, or just picking up something new about Medicinal & Culinary Herbs along the way.
Play This Puzzle →A few sample clues
Fenugreek seeds contain a distinct aroma compound that smells remarkably like maple _ _ _ _ _ .
Stevia leaves contain sweet compounds called steviol _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .
What alkaloid chemical in black pepper grains produces its characteristic sharp heat?
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
What purple-flowered herb genus is famous for its soothing essential oils used in aromatherapy?
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Which medicinal herb species root is famously used in traditional European herbal bitters?
_ _ _ _ _ _ _
All 100 questions in this topic, with answers — use it to study, or just browse. Every actual play of the puzzle only pulls a random handful of these into one game, so knowing them all here won't spoil which ones show up or where they're hidden in the grid. Play it here.
Which delicate red thread spice harvested from Crocus sativus is the most expensive spice by weight?
SAFFRONWhich culinary herb in the Allium family features hollow green stalks with a subtle onion flavor?
CHIVESWhich medicinal shrub species produces leaves used to extract hamamelis water?
WITCHHAZELWhich fragrant herb species native to the Mediterranean yields leaves used to season meats?
SAVORYWhat sulfur-containing organic compound gives crushed garlic its characteristic sharp pungent aroma?
ALLICINWhich climbing orchid vine species produces long brown pods cured to yield sweet flavoring?
VANILLAThe aromatic compound safrole extracted from sassafras root was banned due to potential _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .
TOXICITYWhich herbal seed species in the legume family is used in Indian curries and to increase milk production?
FENUGREEKFrench cooking traditionally uses a tied bundle of fresh herbs called a bouquet _ _ _ _ _ .
GARNIWhich yellow-flowered herbal remedy for mild depression is named after Saint _ _ _ _ ?
JOHNWhich herbal plant genus yields seeds containing psyllium fiber used as a bulk laxative?
PLANTAGOSummer savory belongs to which botanical plant family?
LAMIACEAEPsyllium husk harvested from Plantago ovata is rich in soluble dietary _ _ _ _ _ .
FIBERWhat alkaloid compound extracted from Atropa belladonna dilates human eye pupils?
ATROPINEWhich perennial plant with edible young shoots is prized as a spring vegetable in culinary cooking?
ASPARAGUSTurmeric root owes its distinct golden shade to which active biological pigment compound?
CURCUMINWhich climbing vine species produces black green and white peppercorns from dried berries?
PIPERWhich bulb vegetable species closely related to garlic produces long flat leaves and mild onion flavor?
LEEKWhich coneflower genus native to North America is popular as an herbal immune system supplement?
ECHINACEAWhich sweet culinary herb in the oregano genus has a milder sweeter profile?
MARJORAMWhich desert shrub species produces seeds containing a liquid wax ester identical to human sebum?
JOJOBAWhich flowering vine species is cultivated for its bitter female cones used to preserve beer?
HOPSWhich medicinal bark harvested from a North American tree was used historically as a laxative?
CASCARAThe Ayurvedic herbal supplement ashwagandha belongs to the plant genus _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .
WITHANIAWhich aromatic herb in the mint family with dark crinkled leaves is used in Asian cuisine?
PERILLAWhich delicate leafy herb is the most widely produced culinary garnish across Western cooking?
PARSLEYThe active sweet compound found in licorice root is called _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ acid.
GLYCYRRHIZICWhich perennial root is harvested and ground into a pungent white condiment paired with roast beef?
HORSERADISHBee balm is also known by what alternative North American common name?
BERGAMOTAshwagandha root is classified in herbalism as an adaptogen that helps manage physical _ _ _ _ _ _ .
STRESSWhat delicate French herb with a mild anise flavor is one of the classic fines herbes?
CHERVILWhich flowering plant species root has strong sedative properties used to treat insomnia?
VALERIANWhich pungent root vegetable in the Brassicaceae family is grated into a hot green paste for sushi?
WASABIWhich herbal tea made from South African red bush leaves is naturally caffeine free?
ROOIBOSWhich citrus fruit peel oil gives Earl Grey black tea its signature citrus fragrance?
BERGAMOTORANGEThe heat level of chili peppers containing capsaicin is measured on which official scale?
SCOVILLEGentian root is famous for being one of the most intensely _ _ _ _ _ _ botanical substances.
BITTERWhich medicinal plant species features bright yellow flowers whose gel relieves muscle sprains?
ARNICAWhich chili pepper chemical compound triggers thermal heat receptors on the human tongue?
CAPSAICINWhich fragrant leaf herb is the primary ingredient in traditional Italian pesto sauce?
BASILWhat dried leaf from the sweet laurel tree is added to stews and removed before serving?
BAYLiquid wax extracted from jojoba seeds is widely used in cosmetic skin _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .
MOISTURIZERWhat organic compound in peppermint leaves produces a characteristic cooling sensation on the tongue?
MENTHOLWhich aromatic resin harvested from Boswellia trees has been burned as traditional incense?
FRANKINCENSEWhich sweet aromatic seed spice in the Apiaceae family is used to flavor rye bread and sauerkraut?
CARAWAYWhich seed spice from the carrot family is a primary ingredient in curry powder and chili powder?
CUMINWhich mint family herb with silver-green leaves is traditionally paired with Thanksgiving stuffing?
SAGEWhich aromatic leaf spice from the evergreen Laurus tree is a staple in Mediterranean stews?
LAURELWhich aromatic herb species popular in Mexican and Greek cooking is closely related to marjoram?
OREGANOWhich South American holly leaf tea rich in caffeine is traditionally drunk from a gourd?
MATEWhich herb species with citrus-scented leaves is brewed into a soothing balm tea?
LEMONWhat potent compound in wormwood gives absinthe its historical reputation and distinct flavor?
THUJONEWhich pungent bulb species in the Allium family contains the antimicrobial sulfur compound allicin?
GARLICWhich feathery leaf herb in the carrot family is a key ingredient in pickling brine and ranch dressing?
DILLWhich flowering medicinal plant species is commonly called pot marigold and used in salves?
CALENDULAWhich perennial herb species root was historically used to brew traditional root beer?
SASSAFRASWhich aromatic herb species with feathery foliage is commonly known as sweet cicely?
MYRRHISWhat active antioxidant complex extracted from milk thistle seeds protects liver cells?
SILYMARINWhich soothing succulent plant gel is widely applied topically to treat skin burns and sunburns?
ALOEWhich aromatic herb species features feathery leaves that smell like sweet anise?
TARRAGONCalendula petals are rich in yellow carotenoid compounds used as a natural food _ _ _ .
DYEWhich tonic root genus in traditional Asian medicine is prized for boosting energy and vitality?
GINSENGWhich evergreen herb with citrus-scented leaves is commonly known as lemon _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ?
VERBENAWhich aromatic seed pod spice in the ginger family produces small green pods containing black seeds?
CARDAMOMWhich aromatic herb genus native to South America yields leaves used as a zero-calorie sweetener?
STEVIAWhich herb species native to India is also known as holy basil in Ayurvedic practice?
TULSIWhich perennial herb with bitter leaves was traditionally used to flavor vermouth and absinthe?
WORMWOODWhich hot aromatic rhizome is widely used to treat nausea and motion sickness?
GINGERWhich small edible Allium bulb forms clusters of copper-skinned cloves with delicate flavor?
SHALLOTElderberry syrups and supplements belong to which plant genus?
SAMBUCUSWhat bright yellow root spice from the ginger family contains the antioxidant compound curcumin?
TURMERICAngelica sinensis root is known in Asian herbalism as female _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .
DONGQUAIWhich mint family herb with bright red flowers attracts hummingbirds and makes tea?
BEEBALMThe metal filter straw used to drink yerba mate tea in South America is called a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .
BOMBILLAFrench tarragon belongs to which scientific plant genus?
ARTEMISIAWhich toxic nightshade plant was historically used in tiny doses as a cosmetic pupil dilator?
BELLADONNAWhich European shrub species produces dark berries loaded with antioxidants used in cold syrups?
ELDERBERRYPerilla leaves are commonly known in Japanese culinary tradition as _ _ _ _ _ .
SHISOWhich herbal root species produces a sweet compound fifty times sweeter than sucrose?
LICORICEWhich star-shaped dry fruit spice from an Asian evergreen tree shares a flavor profile with anise?
STARANISEWhat ancient maidenhair tree leaf extract is used to support memory and cognitive function?
GINKGOWitch hazel extract acts on human skin as a natural _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ to tighten pores.
ASTRINGENTWhich Mediterranean herb genus with needle-like leaves is widely used in cooking and roasted meats?
ROSEMARYWhat sweet licorice-flavored herb seed is widely used in Italian sausage and rye bread?
FENNELWhat bitter alpha acid gland resin in hop cones gives beer its characteristic bitterness?
LUPULINFlat-leaf Italian parsley belongs to which plant species family?
APIACEAEWhich perennial herb with bitter leaves and yellow flower clusters was used for liver ailments?
DANDELIONWhich leafy green herb is also known as coriander in many regions outside North America?
CILANTROWhich gum resin harvested from Commiphora trees was prized in antiquity alongside frankincense?
MYRRHWhich medicinal flower species with prickly leaves is widely taken to support liver health?
MILKTHISTLEWhich evergreen mint family herb with cooling menthol compound is used in teas and toothpaste?
PEPPERMINTWhat aromatic herb species with tiny leaves is a staple of French bouquet garni and Italian cooking?
THYMEWhich fragrant herb species native to Eurasia yields sweet licorice-flavored seed used in absinthe?
ANISEWhat tropical stalk grass with citrus fragrance is essential to Thai curries and tom yum soup?
LEMONGRASSWhat daisy-like flower genus is commonly brewed into herbal tea to promote relaxation and sleep?
CHAMOMILE