Glossary of Terms
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
L
M
N
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T
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V
W
Z
A
autonomic nervous system
- concerned with involuntary bodily functions; made up
of both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems,
sensory (afferent) and motor (efferent) nerve cells:
afferent-transmit information from sensory organs to the
central nervous system; efferent-transmits information
from the central nervous system to muscles and glands.
abortifacient
- capable of inducing abortion
abrasion
- scraping away of portion of skin or mucus membrane
abscess
- localized collection of pus due to disintegration or
displacement of tissue
absolute
- aromatic material extracted from a plant using solvent
extraction; tend to be more viscous than essential oils
acid mantle
- protective barrier made up of a mixture of sweat and
sebum that defends skin against environmental factors,
microorganisms, maintains moisture and provides a soft
appearance; hydro-lipidic film
acrid
- leaving a burning sensation in the mouth
acute
- having rapid onset, severe symptoms and a short course
adrenal glands
- paired glands lying superior to each kidney; play a
role in libido (especially in women), blood sodium
levels impacting blood pressure and cardiovascular
balance, blood sugar, water and electrolyte balance,
metabolism and stress response
adrenaline
- hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla that causes
quickening of heart beat, strengthens force of the
heart's contraction, opens airways in the lungs and
numerous other effects; part of fight-or-flight
reaction; same as epinephrine
adulteration
- to make inferior, impure, not genuine by adding a
harmful, less valuable or prohibited substance
aerophagy
- swallowing of air
allergy
- hypersensitivity caused by a foreign substance, small
does of which can cause violent body reactions
alopecia
- baldness or loss of hair, esp. of the head
Alzheimer's disease
- neurological disorder characterized by dysfunction and
death of specific cerebral neurons with widespread,
progressive intellectual impairment, personality changes
and alertness
amebicidial
- can destroy amoeba
amenorrhea
- absence of or suppressing menstruation
amoeba
- a single-celled organism that constantly changes
shape; can infect the bowels and cause diarrhea or the
liver and cause abscesses
amoebicidal
- agent that destroys amoeba
analgesic
- remedy or agent that deadens pain
anaphrodisiac
- reduces sexual desire
anemia
- deficiency in quality or quantity of red corpuscles in
the blood
anesthetic
- that which causes loss of feeling or sensation
anodyne
- quiets both physical and emotional pain
anorexia
- loss of appetite
anosmic
- one having no sense of smell
anthelmintic
- destroying/expelling intestinal worms; vermifuge
antiallergenic
- reduces/eliminates allergic symptoms
antialopecic
- reduces baldness. hair loss
antiarthritic
- that which relieves arthritis
antibilious
- aids in removal of excess bile
antibiotic
- inhibits growth of or destroys bacteria
anticatarrhal
- relieves inflammation of mucus membranes, esp. of head
and throat
anticoagulant
- delays or prevents coagulation of blood
anticonvulsant
- arrests or prevents convulsions
antidepressant
- prevents, cure or alleviate mental
depression/melancholy
antiemetic
- reduces incidence and severity of nausea/vomiting
antihemorrhagic
- prevents or combats hemorrhage or bleeding
antihistamine
- treats allergic conditions; acts against the action of
histamine
anti-inflammatory
- counters or alleviates inflammation; antiphlogistic
antilithic
- prevents formation of calculus or stone (gall or
kidney)
antimicrobial
- destroys or prevents development of pathogenic
microorganisms
antineuralgic
- relieves or reduces nerve pain
anti-oxidant
- prevent or inhibit oxidation (deterioration)
antiphlogistic
- check or counteracts inflammation; anti-inflammatory
antipigmentary
- reduces stain or discolorization of skin
antiputrescent
- prevents and combats decay or putrefaction
antipruritic
- prevents or relieves sensation of itching
antipyretic
- reduces fever; febrifuge
antirheumatic
- prevents or relieves rheumatism
antisclerotic
- prevents hardening of tissue due to chronic
inflammation
antiscrobutic
- remedy for scurvy
antiseborrheic
- aids in control of sebum
antiseptic
- prevents or inhibits sepsis (a poisoned state caused
by absorption of pathogenic microorganisms into the
bloodstream)
antispasmodic
- prevents or relieves spasms/cramping
antitoxic
- antidote or treatment to counteract toxins
antitussive
- prevents or relieves coughs
antiviral
- inhibits growth of viruses
aperitif
- stimulates appetite
aphodisiac
- increases or stimulates sexual desire
aromatherapy
- therapeutic use of essential oils
aromatic
- substance with an aroma or smell
arrhyhmia
- irregular heart action
arteriosclerosis
- loss of elasticity in walls of arteries due to
thickening and calcification
arteritis
- inflammation of an artery
artery
- blood vessel carrying blood away from the heart
arthritis
- joint inflammation
asthenia
- lack or loss of strength; debility
asthma
- wheezing caused by spasms of bronchial tubes or
inflammation of bronchial mucus membrane
astringent
- causes contraction of organic tissue; tonic;
restorative
ataxia
- loss of control over voluntary movements
atony
- lessening or lack of muscle tone
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B
bactericidal
- combats/destroys bacteria
balneotherapy
- treatment by medicinal baths
balsamic
- healing, soothing, loosens phlegm
bechic
- sooths or relieves coughs
bilious
- excessive secretion of bile
bitter
- tonic which stimulates appetite and promotes secretion
of saliva and gastric juices by exciting the taste buds
blenorrhea
- abnormal discharge from mucus membrane
blood-brain barrier
- made of specialized brain capillaries and astrocytes
(brain cells that attach nerve to blood vessels) that
prevent passage of materials from blood to cerebrospinal
fluid and the brain
blood pressure
- pressure of the blood within the arteries produced
primarily by the contraction of the heart muscle;
measured by two numbers: systolic measured after the
heart contracts (the higher number) and diastolic
measured before the heart contracts (the lower number)
boils
- acute inflammation of subcutaneous layers of the skin,
gland or hair follicle
bradycardia
- slowing of heartbeat
bronchitis
- inflammation of bronchial tube mucous membrane
bursitis
- inflammation of the pad-like sac or cavity of a joint
space
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C
central nervous system
- consisting of the brain and spinal cord
calculus
- fusion of crystals that create a "stone" (i.e. kidney
or gall stone)
calmative
- sedative
camphoraceous
- having a strong odor of camphor
candida
- a genus of yeast like fungi
capillary
- microscopic blood vessel located between the arteries
and the veins through which materials are transferred
between blood and body cells
carbuncle
- painful, localized, pus bearing inflammation of
subcutaneous tissue having several openings; more severe
than a boil
carcinogenic
- that which produces cancer
cardiac
- pertaining to the heart
cardiotonic
- item that restores or increases the tone of the heart
carminitive
- settles digestion, relieves flatulence (gas)
catarrh
- inflammation of mucus membranes
cellulite
- accumulation of toxic matter in the form of fat
cellulitis
- inflammation of connective tissue
cephalic
- remedy for disorders of the head
cervicitis
- inflammation of the cervix
chakra
- one of seven primary areas of condensed energy or chi
chemotherapy
- treatment of illness or disease by chemicals
chemotype
- same botanical species occurring in other forms due to
different growth conditions, such as climate, soil,
altitude
chi or qi
- the life force; used in oriental and holistic
therapies
chilblains
- inflammation, itching and swelling due to frostbite
cholagogue
- stimulant of secretion and flow of bile into duodenum
choleretic
- aids excretion of bile by the liver
chronic
- long term or frequently recurring
cicatrisant
- promotes healing by formation of scar tissue
cirrhosis
- degenerative change of an organ caused by poisons,
bacteria or other agents resulting in overgrowth of
fibrous tissue
coagulant
- causing clotting of blood
colic
- pain due to involuntary abdominal organ muscle
contraction
colitis
- inflammation of the colon
collagen
- main organic constituent of connective tissue, a
protein
compress
- wet or dry cloth folded and firmly applied to a body
part for relief of swelling or pain, or to produce
localized pressure
concrete
- highly odoriferous, concentrated, waxy, solid or
semi-solid perfume material extracted by a solvent
constipation
- infrequent or difficult voiding of the bowels
contusion
- bruise
cordial
- invigorating, reviving the heart
counter-irritant
- applications to the skin to relieve deep-seated pain;
visicant
couperose
- temporary or chronic redness of the skin due to small,
dilated blood vessels appearing on the cheeks, chin and
nose
cramp
- painful contraction of a muscle or group of muscles
cutaneous
- pertaining to the skin
cyanosis
- bluish coloring of skin and mucous membranes due to
lack of oxygen in the blood
cyst -
sac with distinct wall containing fluid or other
material
cystitis
- inflammation of the bladder
cytophylactic
- increases activity of leucocytes (white blood cells)
in defence against infections
cytotoxic
- toxic to all cells
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D
depresses central nervous system
- relieves pain, induces sleep; large doses may produce
stupor, coma and possibly death
debility
- lack or loss of strength; asthenia
decoction
- herbal preparation where plant matter is boiled in
water to made a concentrated extract
decongestant
- relief or reduction of congestion esp. nasal
decubitus wound
- bedsore; pressure sore
dehydration
- excessive water loss from the body or its parts
dementia
- mental disorder resulting in progressive loss of
intellectual abilities with impairment of memory,
judgment, abstract thinking, personality
demulcent
- substance that protects mucus membranes and prevents
or lowers irritation
deodorant
- agent that mask or remove unpleasant odors
depurative
- purifying or cleansing of the blood, detoxigying
dermal
- pertaining to the skin
dermatitis
- inflammation of the skin
dermatosis
- disease of the skin
dermis
- layer of dense connective tissue lying beneath the
epidermis
diaphoretic
- causes sweating; sudorific
diarrhea
- frequent passage of unformed liquid stools
diffusion
- intermingling of essential oil molecules into the air
digestive
- promotes or aids digestion of food
disinfectant
- prevents or combats spread of germs
distillate
- by product of steam distillation; floral water,
hydrolate
distillation
- process by which essential oils are extracted
(methods: water, steam, water and steam, dry)
diuretic
- aids production of urine, promotes urination
dropsy
- excess fluid in tissues; edema
dysentery
- intestinal disorder with inflammation of the mucus
membrane esp. of the colon
dysmenorrhea
- painful menstruation
dyspepsia
- difficult digestion with pain, flatulence, heartburn
and nausea
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E
eczema
- acute or chronic inflammatory condition of the skin
with itching, burning, discoloration, elevation
pustules, scales, crusts, and/or scabs; can be weeping
(wet) or dry
edema
- excess fluid in tissues, dropsy
elasticity
- ability of tissue to return to its original shape
after extension or contraction
elastin
- coiling and recoiling protein, like a spring, within
elastic fibers of connective tissue accounting for the
elasticity of structures such the skin, blood vessels,
heart, lungs, intestines, tendons, and ligaments; works
with collagen-elastin provides elasticity, collagen
provides rigidity
emitic
- induces nausea or vomiting
emmenagogue
- induces or assists menstruation
emollient
- softens and soothes skin
emphysema
- chronic pulmonary disease where alveoli of the lungs
are dilated
endometriosis
- uterine mucus lining growing outside the uterus on
other structures of the pelvic region causing
inflammation; frequent symptoms are pelvic pain during
menstruation or ovulation
endorphin
- naturally occurring morphine-like molecule produced
primarily in the brain and spinal cord which blocks pain
and lifts mood
engorgement
- fullness or congestion of tissue
enfleurage
- ancient extraction method used to gather essential
oils from delicate flowers; seldom used practice whereby
flower petals are placed on a layer of fat, after
repeated applications the fat is removed
enteric nervous system
- portion of the nervous system pertaining to the small
intestines; plays a role in most digestive disorders
enteritis
- inflammation of intestinal mucus membranes
epidermis
- outermost layer of skin
epinephrine
- hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla that causes
quickening of heart beat, strengthens force of the
heart's contraction, opens airways in the lungs and
numerous other effects; part of fight-or-flight
reaction; same as adrenaline
epstein-barrvirus
- herpes-like virus, most common cause of m ononucleosis
a viral infection causing fevers, sore throat, and
swollen lymph glands, especially in the neck
erethema
- superficial redness of skin due to excess of blood
essential oil
- non-oily, volatile aromatic substance constituting the
odorous principle of the plant, extracted by
distillation or expression; possessing antibiotic,
antiviral, antifungal and other properties
estrogen
- ovarian hormone necessary for secondary sexual
characteristics
eubiotic
- brings about conditions favorable for life and healing
euphoric
- agent that produces feeling of wellbeing, mild elation
expectorant
- promotes removal of excess mucus of the respiratory
system
expression
- extraction method using pressure or centrifugal force
to extract oils from citrus fruit peels
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F
fatigue
- tiredness or weariness; acute-following excessive
exertion; chronic-not relieved by rest may be indicative
of altered body metabolism; muscular-reduced or
inability to perform work due to repeated contractions
febrifuge
- reduces fever
fissures
- long, narrow, deep cleft or crack
fistula
- abnormal tube-like passage to from one cavity to
another or to an open surface resulting from abscesses,
injuries or inflammation
fixative
- slows evaporation rate of volatile compounds in
perfume
fixed oil
- fatty, dense, non-volatile vegetable oil, often used
to dilute essential oils
flatulence
- excessive gas in stomach and/or intestines
floral water
- by product of steam distillation; hydrolate;
distillate
fractionation
- splitting an oil into fractions to remove undesirable
elements
free radicals
- unstable waste products from cellular metabolism that
trigger chain reactive cellular damage
fungicidal
- combats or prevents fungal infection
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G
galactagogue
- increases secretion of milk in nursing mothers
gallbladder
- small pouch that store bile
gangrene
- rotting of tissue usually caused by interruption of
blood supply
gastritis
- inflammation of stomach lining
general adaptation syndrome
- set of wide ranging body changes due to high level of
stress over a prolonged period of time and can lead to
emotional disturbances, cardiovascular and renal
diseases, asthma and other diseased states; described by
hans selye
genito-urinary
- referring to the reproductive and urinary organs
germicidal
- destroys microorganisms
gingivitis
- inflammation of the gums with swelling and/or bleeding
goiter
- enlargement of the thyroid gland
gout -
disease involving excess uric acid in the blood, a form
or acute inflammation of a joint usually knee or foot
grounded
- centered; focused; settled; calm; quiet; stable;
composed
gum -
turpentine related resin; usually water soluble
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H
halitosis
- bad breath
hallucinogenic
- causes vision, dreams, delusions; in
aromatherapy-nervous system calming essential oils that
allows one to become mentally and/or physically quiet
heartburn
- burning sensation in the esophagus due to reflux of
hydrochloric acid from the stomach; acid reflux
hematoma
- swelling filled with blood as a result of a broken
blood vessel
hemturia
- blood in urine
hemorrhage
- excessive bleeding
hemorrhoids
- internal or external dilated rectal veins; piles
hemostatic
- arrests bleeding, hemorrhaging
hepatic
- having to do with the liver
hepatitis
- inflammation of the liver
herb -
non-woody, soft leafy plant used in medicine and cooking
herpes
- vesicular eruption caused by a virus; simplex-usually
involving the mouth, lips, face (cold sores);
zoster-infection of certain sensory nerves causing pain
and/or blisters along the course of the affected nerve
(shingles/zona); genitalis-lesions on the genitalia
histamine
- substance released when cells are injured; results in
vasodilatation, increased permeability of blood vessels
and bronchiole constriction
homoeopathy
- system of medicine based on the concept that disease
can be treated with minute doses of drugs (usually plant
and mineral in nature) capable of producing the same
symptoms in healthy people as the disease itself
homeostasis
- condition in which the bodyﾒs internal environment
remains relatively constant within physiological limits
hormone
- a chemical secreted by body cells which diffuse into
body fluids that alters the physiological activity of
target cells within the body
hydrolate
- by product of steam distillation; floral water;
distillate
hypercalcuric
- producing excess calcium in the urine
hyperglycemia
- high level of blood sugar
hypersensitivity
- overreaction to an allergen that causes pathological
changes in the body; allergy
hypertensive
- agent that raises blood pressure
hypertension
- elevated blood pressure
hyperventilation
- rate of respiration higher than required to maintain
normal level of carbon dioxide in the blood; often due
to anxiety or panic
hypnotic
- promotes sleep or dulls the senses
hypoglycemia
- low level of blood sugar
hypotension
- low blood pressure
hypotensive
- agent that lowers blood pressure
hypothermia
- lowering of body temperature below 95 of
hypoxia
- inadequate oxygen in the tissues
hysteria
- neurotic condition with somatic (physical) and/or
emotional disorders
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I
immunostimulent
- agent that stimulates antibody formation
impetigo
- inflammatory skin disease with scattered pustules that
crust and rupture; usually caused by staph or strep
infection
incontinence
- inability to retain urine, feces or semen due to loss
of sphincter control
inflammation
- redness, pain, heat, swelling creating a protective
response to tissue injury; designed to destroy, dilute
or wall of infecting agent or injured tissue
infused oil
- remedy prepared by steeping or maceration of plant
material in oil, may or may not involve heat
infusion
- remedy prepared by steeping plant material in water
insecticide
- repels and kills insects
insomnia
- inability to fall or stay asleep
insulin
- hormone produced in the pancreas that decreases blood
sugar
integumentary
- having to do with skin, hair and nails
inunction
- application of ointment or oil to the skin to
facilitate absorption
in vitro
- outside the living body, in an artificial setting;
referring to testing method
in vivo
- in the living body; referring to testing method
irritable bowel syndrome (ibs)
- stress reaction involving symptoms of cramping,
abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence,
nausea and/or loss of appetite; spastic colitis
ischaemic
- reduction in blood supply
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L
larvicide
- prevents and kills larvae
laxative
- promotes evacuation of the bowels
ld 50
- lethal dose at which 50% of experimental population
dies
lethargy
- lack of energy, sluggishness, dullness, apathy
leucocyte
- white blood cell important in defense against
infection
leucorrhea
- white vaginal discharge
libido
- sexual urge, drive
lipolytic
- disintegration or splitting of fats
lumbago
- muscular pain in the lumbar (lower) region of the back
lymphatic
- pertaining to the lymph system
lymphocyte
- white blood cell made in the lymphatic system
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M
maceration
- soaking plant matter in liquid until soft
malaise
- discomfort and/or uneasiness often indicative of
infection
menarche
- onset of menstruation
menopause
- normal end of menstruation
menorrhagia
- excessive menstruation
menses
- periodic flow of blood and tissue from the uterus;
menstruation
metritus
- inflammation of uterus
metrorrhagia
- bleeding from the uterus outside normal menses
microbe
- minute pathogenic organism
mrsa -
methicillin- resistant staphylococcus aureus; bacteria
that has evolved becoming drug resistant
mucolytic
- thinning or dissolving of mucus
mucus membrane
- membranes that release mucus; lining of all orifices
myelin
- material enveloping the majority of nerves
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N
nebulizer
- a machine that disseminates tiny droplets of
medicine/essential oil into the air to be absorbed into
the respiratory tract
necrosis
- tissue death due to insufficient low of oxygenated
blood or direct action of a corrosive chemical
nephritis
- inflammation of the kidneys
nervine
- reduces nervous system disorders
nervous system
- all nerve cells and tissues of an organism that
control responses to stimuli, coordinates behavior and
consciousness
neuralgia
- stabbing pain along a nerve pathway
neuritis
- inflammation of a nerve
neurasthenia
- nervous exhaustion
neuromuscular
- the interplay between nerve and muscle
neurotonic
- strengthens and supports the nervous system
neurotoxic
- poisonous to nerve cells
neurotransmitter
- brain chemical that sends messages from one nerve cell
to another; brain hormones
noradrenaline
- hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla that causes
quickening of heart beat, strengthens force of the
heart's contraction, opens airways in the lungs and
numerous other effects; part of fight-or-flight
reaction; same as norepinephrine
norepinephrine
- hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla that causes
quickening of heart beat, strengthens force of the
heart's contraction, opens airways in the lungs and
numerous other effects; part of fight-or-flight
reaction; same as noradrenaline
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O
occlusion
- prevention of evaporation of volatile substances from
the skin by covering the area with an impermeable
material, enhances absorbtion
oil of...
- means nothing; often a cover of altered or synthetic
product
oleo gum resin
- exudation from plants, mainly consisting of essential
oils, gum and resin
oleoresin
- solvent extracted aromatic liquid containing essential
oils and resin; (banned in most places)
olfaction
- sense of smell
olfactory blub
- mass of brain matter at the extremity of an olfactory
nerve
olfactory lobe
- cranial lobe projecting from the anterior lower part
of each cerebral hemisphere of the brain
olfactory nerve
- cranial nerve i
osmology
- study of the sense of smell
osteo arthritis
- degenerative joint disease; degeneration of cartilage
or overgrowth of bone
otitis
- inflammation of the ear
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P
peripheral nervous system
- lying outside the central nervous system; nerves and
ganglia
palpitation
- rapid or abnormal heartbeat
parasiticide
- prevents or destroys parasites
parasitosis
- disease or condition caused by a parasite
parasympathetic nervous system
- craniosacral division of the autonomic nervous system
primarily concerned with activities that conserve and
restore body energy
pathogen
- disease producing organism
paturient
- aiding childbirth
pediculicide
- destroys lice
pelvic inflammatory disease
- collective term for any bacterial infection of the
pelvic organs
peptic
- pertaining to gastric secretions and areas affected by
them
perfume oil
- means nothing; often a cover of altered or synthetic
product
pericarditis
- inflammation of the pericardium-sac enclosing the
heart
periodontal disease
- conditions of the mouth that cause degeneration of the
gums, bones and ligaments
peristalsis
- involuntary wave-like movement in hollow tubes within
the body, especially the digestive system
phagocytogenic
- promotes the formation of phagocytes-a cell that can
ingest/destroy substances such as bacteria, protozoa,
cells and cell debris
pharmacology
- science concerning drugs, their actions, properties
and characteristics
pheromone
- volatile hormone-like secretion that transmits a
subtle odor evoking response in another member of the
same species; usually sexual
phlebitis
- inflammation of a vein usually in the legs
phlebotonic
- strengthening to the veins
photocarcinogenic
- initiation of cancer growth by a chemical in the
presence of ultra violet light
photosensitization
- abnormally increased sensitivity to ultraviolet rays
or sunlight
phototoxic
- increases the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight and
ultraviolet radiation to the point of toxicity
physiological
- natural biological processes of a living organism
phytohormones
- plant substances that mimic the action of human
hormones
phytotherapy
- treatment of disease by plants
piles
- hemorrhoid
plantar fascitis
- inflammation of the fascia of the sole of the foot
pleurisy
- inflammation of the pleura-membrane surrounding the
lungs
pms -
premenstrual syndrome; occurs several days prior to the
onset of menstruation, can include irritability,
emotional tension, anxiety, mood changes, depression,
headache, breast tenderness and water retention
pneumonia
- inflammation of the lungs most commonly caused by
bacterial, viruses and chemical irritants
pomade
- perfume material obtained by enfleurage
postpartum
- after the delivery of a baby
poultice
- hot, moist application to skin of plant matter to
increase circulation, relieve congestion and act as
counterirritant for pain
probiotic
- favoring the beneficial bacteria in the body while
inhibiting harmful microbes
prophylactic
- preventative measure that helps to prevent disease or
infection
prostatitis
- inflammation of the prostate gland
prurigo
- chronic skin disease with intense itching, irritation
and papules
pruritus
- severe itching
psoriasis
- chronic, non-contagious skin disease characterized by
red scaly patches, may cause lesions, patches, or
papules on the surface of the skin anywhere on the body
psychoneuroimmunology
- study of the interrelationship of mind and body and
the influence of emotion upon the immune system
psychosomatic
- mental state that manifests into physical symptoms
psychotropic
- affecting the brain and influencing behavior
pulmonary
- pertaining to the lungs
purgative
- agent causing water evacuation of intestinal contents
pyelitis
- inflammation of the kidney
pyorrhea
- gum disease characterized by bleeding and/or pus
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R
rectified
- redistilled essential oil; to eliminate undesirable
constituents
regulator
- balancer/normalizer of body function
relaxant
- soothing, relaxing, relieving of stress or tension
renal
- pertaining to the kidneys
resin
- solid or semi-solid exudations from trees; natural or
prepared
resolvent
- reduces inflammation or swelling; absorption of new
growths
restorative
- strengthens or revives body systems
rheumatoid arthritis
- chronic, systemic autoimmune disorder resulting in
inflammation and crippling deformity
rhinitis
- inflammation of nasal mucus membranes
rhinopharyngitis
- inflammation of the nasopharynx
rosacea
- chronic neurovascular disorder that generally affects
the facial skin; most common symptoms include facial
redness and inflammation across the nose, cheeks, chin
and forehead
rubefacient
- causes redness to skin, possible irritant;
counter-irritant
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S
salpingitis
- inflammation of fallopian tube
scabies
- highly communicable skin disease caused by an
arachnid; itch mite
sciatica
- severe pain down back of thigh running down inside of
leg along the path of the sciatic nerve; causes may be
pressure on nerve root; trauma, injury, strain
scleroderma
- an autoimmune disease of connective tissue,
characterized by the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis)
in the skin and organs of the body leading to thickness
and firmness of involved areas; systemic sclerosis
sclerosis
- hardening of tissue due to excessive growth of fibrous
tissue
seborrhea
- increase secretion of sebum
sedative
- quieting, soothing or possessing a tranquilizing
effect
sepsis
- pathological condition due to presence of organisms in
blood
shingles
- acute infection of the peripheral nervous system
caused by herpes zoster virus; zona
somatic
- of the body
soporific
- induces sleep
spasmolytic
- antispasmodic
splenic
- spleen tonic
sprain
- injury to a ligament resulting from overuse or trauma
causing stretch or tear of one or more ligaments in a
joint
staph
- staphylococcus, a group of bacteria that cause a
multitude of diseases directly by infection, or
indirectly through products they make, such as the
toxins; the main culprit in hospital-acquired infections
causing thousands of deaths every year
stimulant
- increases the functional activity of an organ or
structure
stomachic
- digestive aid, tonic, improving appetite
strep
- s treptococcus, a group of bacteria that cause a
multitude of diseases
styptic
- stops or reduces external bleeding
sudorific
- causes sweating; diaphoretic
sympathetic nervous system
- a subdivision of the autonomic nervous system
primarily concerned with activities that expend energy;
produces involuntary response to alarm
synergy
- agents working together harmoniously
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T
tachycardia
- abnormally increased heart/pulse rate caused by
various conditions
tannin
- substance found in many plants that acts as an
astringent and helps seal broken tissue
tendonitis
- inflammation of a tendon-fibrous attachment of muscle
to bone
thrombosis
- blood clot in the vascular system
thrush
- infection of mouth or vagina caused by the fungus
candida albicans
tincture
- herbal remedy prepared in alcohol
tonic
- strengthens or revives the whole or specific parts of
the body
tinnitis
- ringing
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U
ulcer
- open sore or lesion of the skin or mucus membrane with
sloughing off of inflamed, dead tissue
unguent
- soothing healing salve
urethritis
- inflammation of the urethra
uric acid
- crystalline acid created by metabolism and constituent
of urinary and renal calculi (stones) and gout
urticaria
- skin condition characterized by weals, itching,
stinging, burning; hives/rash
uterine
- pertaining to the uterus
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V
vaginitis
- inflammation of the vagina
varicosity
- a swollen, twisted vein
vasoconstrictor
- causes narrowing of blood vessels
vasodilator
- causes relaxing/widening of blood vessels
vermifuge
- destroying/expelling intestinal worms; anthelmintic
verucolytic
- prevents formation of epidermal tumors or warts
vertigo
- disturbance of equilibrium; sometimes a synonym for
dizziness, lightheadedness
viscosity
- state of being sticky or thick; as in fixed or carrier
oils
visicant
- causes blistering of skin; counter-irritant
vasicle
- small blister or sac containing fluid
volatile
- easily vaporized or evaporated
vulnerary
- helps heal wounds by external application
vulvitis
- inflammation of the vulva
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W
wart
- generally a benigh tumor of skin cells caused by a
virus
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Z
zona
- herpes zoster
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