CAROLINA HERBS!!!

Here is part three of my glossary that I would like to share with you:

ECZEMA             chronic skin inflammation

EDEMA                     accumulation of fluid in tissues (swelling)

EMETIC                  produces vomiting

EMMENAGOGUE                induces monthly

EMOLLIENT                  softens and soothes inflamed parts

(when used internally it is called a demulcent)

ENTERITIS                 inflammation of the small intestine

ENTERVATE                      to deprive of strength, vigor; to weaken physically and mentally

EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS                  the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis and that is associated with Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal cancer.

ESCULENT                     edible

ESTROGEN              hormone that exert female characteristics

EXANTHEMATOUS              remedy for skin eruptions and diseases

EXPECTORANT            substance that causes mucus in the lungs and bronchial passages to come out more easily, usually through coughing ( or encourages the loosening and removal of phlegm from the respiratory tract.)

                                                         F

FEBRIFUGE         reduces fevers

FISTULA                    an abnormal passage between two internal organs, or from an organ to the surface of the body

FLACCID                 not firm or stiff; limp; lacking in force or vigor

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION            The U.S federal agency that protects the public against health hazards from food and food additives and ensure the safety and effectiveness of drugs, medical devices, and dietary supplements.

FORMULATION                  a drug product prepared according to a specific composition

FREE RADICAL               A molecule containing an odd number of electrons. Some researchers believe free radicals may play a role in cancer development by interacting with DNA and impairing normal cell function

                                                       G

CALACTOGOGUE                  agent that promotes the flow of milk

GALLBLADDER                the pear-shaped organ located just under the liver that acts as a bile reservoir.

GASTRITIS inflammation of the stomach lining ( intestinal tract)

GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE               Inflammation of the esophagus caused by back-flow of acid from the stomach. Its main symptom is chronic heartburn

GIARDIA                    a genus of flagellate protozoa some of which are parasitic in the intestinal tract of man and domestic animal; transmitted by ingestion of cysts in fecal contaminated water and food; interfere with the absorption of facts; boiling water inactivates them

GINGIVITIS                       inflammation of the gums

GLAUCOMA                a condition in which the pressure of the fluid in the eye is so high that it causes damage

GOITER                   an enlargement of the thyroid gland that causes swelling in the front of the neck

GOUT                   inflammation of joints caused by uric acid crystals lodging in them.

GRAIN                   the smallest unit of weight in the apothecary system, equivalent to 0.06 gram

GRAM                       the basic unit of weight in the metric system, equivalent to 1/1000 of a kilogram or three one hundredths (0.03) of an ounce

                                                       H

HEART ATTACK                sudden blockage of one or more of the arteries that supply blood to the heart, causing damage to the heart muscle

HEMATURIA                  blood in the urine

HEMOLYTIC                      a substance which destroys red blood cells

HEMORRHAGE                  bleeding, usually rapid and significant

HEMORRHOID                an abnormally swollen vein beneath the lining of the anal canal or near the anus that may cause itching, pain or bleeding

HEMOSTATIC                    stop bleeding

HEPATIC              herbs that support and stimulate the liver, gall bladder and spleen and increase the flow of bile.

HEPATITIS                         inflammation of the liver

HERPETIC                   a remedy for skin diseases of all types

HERNIA                the projection or out pouching of an organ or a part of an organ through the wall that normally contains it.

HISTAMINE              a chemical found in all tissues that causes tiny arteries called capillaries to widen, makes smooth muscles contract, increases the heart rate, causes blood pressure to drop, and promotes secretion of stomach acids. Histamine is formed and released during allergic reactions.

HIVES        Itchy, raised, red areas of inflamed skin caused by an allergic reaction

HOMEOSTASIS                      equilibrium of internal environment

HYDRAGOGUE                   promotes watery evacuation of the bowels

HYPERTENSIVE                    used to increase blood pressure

HYPNOTIC                   induces sleep

HYPOGLYCEMIA           abnormal concentration of sugar in the blood ( low blood sugar)

HYPOTENSIVE                     used to reduce blood pressure

                                                  I

IMMUNOSTIMULANT              a substance that stimulates the immune system's health and ability to respond to disease either gradually or quickly

INCONTINENCE                 the inability to control urination or defecation

INDOLENT                           sluggish; casing little or no pain

INFUSION               An extremely strong tea made with either hot or cold water and and herb

IRRITANT                  induces a local inflammation

INTERFERON                   a potent immune enhancing substance that is produced by the body's cells to fight off viral infection and cancer