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A
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Abortifactent
A substance
that causes pregnancy to end prematurely
and causes an abortion and
premature expulsion of the fetus.
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Abscess
A
localized collection of pus and
liquefied tissue in a cavity
anywhere in the body.
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Absorb
To take in as through pores; liquid or
gas into the bulk of another material,
to neutralize
an acid.
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Acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria are
fermented bacterial cultures that thrive
in dilute acid
also called “friendly colonic flora”.
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Adaptogen
An agent that increases,
invigorates
resistance to stress.
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Adrenaline
A hormone secreted by the adrenal glands
that produces the “fight or flight
response,
allows the body to react to physical and
psychological stress.
Also called epinephrine.
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Adsorb
Attachment of a substance to the surface
of another material
by physical bonds.
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Alkaloid
Chemicals that are made by plants,
highly active, contain nitrogen atoms.
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Alterative
Cleansing, stimulating efficient removal
of waste products, chemistry. Produces
a gradual, beneficial change in the body
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Amenorrhea
Absence or suppression of menstruation.
May
occur as a side effect of some
antidepressants and antipsychotic
medications.
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Amino
Acids
A
group of
small molecules used by cells to make
proteins.
Nitrogen-containing chemical compounds
that form the basic structural units of
life.
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Analgesic
An agent that alleviates pain without
causing loss of
consciousness.
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Anaphrodisiac
Subdues or blunts the libido to reduce
sexual desire.
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Androgen
Hormones such as testosterone that
stimulate male characteristics.
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Anesthetic
Deadens by dulling sensation thus
reduces pain.
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Anodyne
Any medicine which allays mitigates or
reduces pain.
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Antagonist
Oppose action of other medicines; binds
to a receptor and prevents a response.
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Anthelmintic
Capable of expelling or destroying
parasitic worms (also see parasiticide)
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Antacid
Aids in protecting the digestive system
and relieves heartburn and digestive
discomfort, especially in the stomach
and duodenum.
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Anti-bacterial
A substance that stops the progress of
one or more kinds of bacterial organisms
resulting in their death or stopping
their growth.
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Anti-bilious
Reduces biliary or jaundice condition of
the liver.
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Antibiotic
Substance produced by bacteria or fungi
that destroys or inhibits the growth of
micro-organisms.
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Anti-catarrhal
Reduces or eliminates the formation of
mucous
conditions.
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Anti-depressant
A
substance taken to alleviate the
symptoms of depression or dysthymia.
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Antidote
A
substance that neutralizes or
counteracts the harmful effects of a
poison or drug.
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Anti-emetic
Alleviates nausea and prevents or
relieves vomiting.
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Anti-fungal
Inhibits or kills fungi preventing
its growth.
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Anti-galactagogue
Prevents or decreases flow of breast
milk.
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Anti-hemorrhagic
Substance that stops bleeding and
hemorrhaging.
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Anti-histamine
Serves to reduce or neutralize the
effects of histamine in an allergic
response.
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Anti-inflammatory
Counteracting or diminishing the
irritation, inflammation, swelling or
its effects.
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Anti-lithic
Agent
that prevents or relieves the formation
of calculi (stones).
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Anti-microbial
Destroys or prevents the growth of
microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi,
viruses, or parasites.
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Anti-neoplastic
Preventing the development, growth or
proliferation of malignant cells.
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Anti-oxidant
An
agent that slows down, or neutralizes
free radical, oxidative damage to body
tissue and cells.
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Anti-periodic
Preventing regular recurrences of a
disease or symptoms, as in malaria.
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Anti-phlogistic
An
agent that counteracts or reduces
inflammation.
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Anti-pyretic
From
the Greek word pyresis (fire). An agent
that reduces fever.
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Anti-rheumatic
Agent
that prevents or relieves the
musculoskeletal pain and inflammation of
rheumatism.
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Antiscorbutic
Preventing or relieving scurvy.
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Antiseptic
An
agent that combats and neutralizes
pathogentic bacteria, and prevents
infection.
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Anti-spasmodic
Agent
that prevents or relieves spasms.
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Anti-syphilitic
Agent
that cures or relieves syphilis or
venereal disease.
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Anti-thrombotic
Cures
or prevents scurvy.
Anti-scorbutic: cures or prevents
scurvy.
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Anti-toxic
Neutralizes a poison from the system.
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Anti-tussive
Inhibits the cough reflex helping to
stop coughing.
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Anti-viral
Opposing the action of a virus.
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Aperient
Mild
laxative without purging;
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Aperitive
Herbs
that stimulate the appetite.
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Aromatic
Agent
that contains volatile, essential oils
which aids digestion and relieves gas.
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Astringent
An
agent that has a constricting or binding
effect, i.e. one that checks hemorrhages
or secretions by coagulation of proteins
on a soft surface.
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Atherosclerosis
Aprocessin which fatty substances
(cholesterol and triglycerides) are
deposited in the walls of medium to
large arteries, eventually leading to
blockage of the artery.
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Atonic
Without normal tension or tone.
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Ayurvedic
A traditional medicine system of India,
which literally means ”a science of
life”.
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