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Therapeutic Action of Botanicals
What do all those words
mean on supplement labels? Is something bothering you? This all-natural
dictionary and glossary
provides brief descriptions for a variety of ingredients and terms
related to learning the language of nutritional supplements, specific
body functions, symptoms and ailments.
Pick a letter below that
starts with a specific term. To search press CTRL-F.
A B
C D E
F G H I
J K L M
N O P Q
R S T U
V W X Y
Z
Absolute
An absolute is a refined, liquid extract of fragrant plant material.
Most essential oils are extracted from their plant source by steam
distillation. An absolute is extracted from a concrete which is a
thick, fragrant material extracted from the plant using a hydrocarbon
solvent. Concretes contain essential oils, fatty acids and waxes.
Absolutes are subsequently extracted from concretes with pure alcohol
and a process known as vacuum distillation. The alcohol dissolves
and absorbs the fragrant material from the concrete. The alcohol extract
is then refined into the finished absolute by chilling. Waxes, fats and
other non-aromatic contents are precipitated in the cold and filtered
out. The alcohol is then removed through evaporation under vacuum.
What's left behind is the pure, fragrant absolute which is made up
primarily of essential oil constituents.
Adrenal cortex
The outer part of the adrenal gland, which secretes a group of hormones
involved in mineral metabolism and glucose metabolism.
AHA (Alpha hydroxy acids)
A group of
acids, often found in fruit, sour milk, sugar and others processed
through bio-fermentation which, when applied to the skin, are believed
to dissolve the glue-like lipids holding skin cells together in the
stratum corneum; when their adhesive is dissolved, surface skin cells
fall away, revealing younger-looking, fresher cells. Alkaloid
Alkaline substances found in certain plants, such as berberine and
hydrastine from golden seal.
Allantoin
A natural constituent usually
derived from Comfrey Root.
Allopathy
Conventional medicine. Allopathy treats opposites with opposites,
by using that which is the opposite of the symptom of the illness:
antispasmodics, fever reducers, antidepressants, etc.
Alpha-ketoglutarate
One of the intermediary products in the
Krebs cycle.
Amino acids
A basic building block of protein;
a group of biological chemical
compounds containing nitrogen. There are 22 amino acids, nine of
which cannot be produced within the body and are considered essential;
the remainder are considered nonessential.
Aminomonosaccharide
An amino acid bound to a simple sugar.
Ammonium chloride
An acidic substance found naturally in the stomach.
Amylase
A starch-digesting enzyne.
Anthocyanoside
A violet, red, or blue flavonoid found
in grapes, berries, beets, and eggplants.
Anthroposophy
-- see Biodynamic Agriculture
Antioxidant
A substance that prevents the reaction of various food constituents with
oxygen.
Inhibits or prevents damage
from free radicals.. Better known antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and F, and
bioflavonoids.
Aromatherapy
Descriptions of Essential Oils
Preparations and Forms of
Ascorbic acid
The scientific name for vitamin C.
Aspartate
A compound formed when a mineral is bound to aspartic acid, one of the
non-essential amino acids. Mineral Aspartates are formed by binding each
mineral to Aspartic Acid, the amino acid that functions as a transport
mechanism, delivering the individual mineral to the proper body site for
its specific functions.
Arthritis
Click here for more detailed information.
Beta-carotene
A non-toxic precursor to vitamin A; sometines known as "provitamin A."
Beta-sitosterol
A plant steroid involved in lipid (fat) metabolism.
Betaine
A nature identical synthetic so-named because it was first discovered in
sugar beets. A substance that may serve as a precursor to choline.
Bicarbonate
A negatively charged alkali ion that helps regulate acid-base balance.
Bioavailability
The amount of a nutrient that enters the bloodstrean and thus reaches
the tissues and organs of the body.
Biodynamic Agriculture
This subject is addressed within the work of Rudolf Steiner, known
as anthroposophy--a new approach to science which integrates precise
observation of natural phenomena, clear thinking, and knowledge of the
spirit. Visit www.biodynamic.net.
Bioflavonoids
(phytochemical)
A group of brightly colored, water-soluble conpounds found in certain
plants. These companions of natural Vitamin C
are known antioxidants and are believed to contribute to capillary
integrity. Investigated for their anticancer & disease fighting
properties. Has been used by natural healers to treat asthma & allergy.
Better known bioflavonoids include
Biotin
A water-soluble, sulfur-containing B vitamin in which plays an essential
role in the rnetabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
BHA (Beta Hydroxy Ccids)
A group of
acids, often found in flowering plants and herbs. Most common is
salicylic acid, believed to dissolve dead skin cells to leave a smooth,
even surface.
Boron
A biologically dynamic trace mineral that affects many metabolic
functions.
Bromelain
The protein-digesting enzyme derived from pineapple.
Butylene Glycol
A humectant usually used to attract moisture.
Calcium pantothenate
A source for pantothenic acid, which is one of the B vitamins.
Cocamidropropyl betaine
A biodegradable cleanser derived from
coconut.
Carboxylic Acid
Simply, a compound
present in living organisms or organic, non-living substances that
contains one or more carboxyl groups (COOH).
Carbohydrate
One of the three main classes of foods essential to the body; includes
monosaccharides (simple sugars such as fructose, galactose, and
glucose), oligosaccharides (sugars containing 2 to it) monosaccharides,
such as lactose, maltose, and sucrose), and polysaccharides (complex
sugars such as cellulose, glycogen, and starch).
Carbohydrate Counter
Carbonate
A compound formed when a mineral is bound to carbonic acid. Carbonic
acid may release the bicarbonate ion to help maintain neutrality of body
fluids.
Carcinogen
Any substance capable of
or contributing to causing cancer.
Carrier Oils
Chelate
A compound formed when a metallic ion is bound to an organic molecule;
used to improve availability of minerals.
Chelating agents are used in
facial and body washes, body scrubs and shampoos to deactivate hard
calcium and magnesium minerals which can form dulling, film-forming lime
soap deposits when hard water comes in contact with the pure soaps.
See
also
Magic of Chelation.
Chloride
A form of the element chlorine. The chloride ion helps regulate
acid-base balance and fluid balance; it's also a constituent of stomach
acid.
Chlorophyll
The green pigment in plants which permits them to manufacture food.
Choline/Choline bitartrate
A key constituent of lecithin, involved in fat metabolism and nerve
transmission. As a lipotropic factor, choline prevents the accumulation
of fat in the liver.
Chromium
A trace mineral which acts cooperatively with other substances that
control metabolism; a component of the glucose tolerance factor and
activator of certain enzymes.
Citrate
A compound formed when a mineral is bound to citric acid. Citric acid
plays an integral role in metabolism as part of the Krebs cycle.
Cobalamin/Cyanocobalamin
The scientific name for vitamin B12.
Coco-Betaine
Mild & easily biodegradable, it is formed by combining coconut fatty
acids with betaine. This foam boosting cleansing
agent buffers irritation caused by
sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
Co-enzyme Q-10
Enzyme activator and
anti-oxidant.
Collagen
Present in the dermis, gives
the skin shape and structure, keeping skin smooth and wrinkle-free when
we are young, allowing wrinkles to form as the quality of collagen
lessens with age. Structurally, a protein made of amino acids: alanine,
orginine, glycine, hydroxyproline, lysine proline. Present in the skin,
bone, ligaments and cartilage, makes up about 30% of total body protein.
(Animal origin by-product)
Commission E
The body of scientists and panel of experts that provides advice on
herbal treatments and evaluates the safety, effectiveness and dosage of
medicinal herbs ; Germany's equivalent of the FDA.
Complex
A remedy comprised of several active ingredients most often diluted
from the M.T. (Mother Tincture) to a 3CH dilution. The combined
ingredients have a common or complementary effect. Complexes are
used to drain tissues, organs or systems to eliminate toxins.
Copper
A trace mineral involved in iron metabolism and essential for the
formation of hemoglobin; a component of several enzyme systems.
Cryogenic Grinding
Raw materials are ground at zero to minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit to
protect volatile components. Normal grinding temperatures can reach 200
degrees, damaging heat-sensitive components. Our research shows that
cryogenic grinding delivers up to 22% higher levels of active
constituents.
Cysteine
A nonessential, sulfur-containing amino acid converted within the body
to cystine, an important constituent of hair.
Decylpolyglucose
A mild cleansing agent made from corn and glucose.
Deglycyrrhizinated
A safe form of licorice that has had the glycyrrhetinic acid removed (glycyrrhetinic
acid raises blood pressure).
Dilution
A process for producing remedies, especially in homeopathy, that
deconcentrates active ingredients of vegetable, mineral or animal
origin. Successive dilutions are carried out according to the
Hahnemanian method, to 1/10 (Decimal D), or 1/100 (Centesimal CH) of the
raw materail. Each homeopathic remedy is labeled with the number
of dilutions. For example, Arnica 5CH or 7CH indicates that the
base ingredient has been diluted 5 or 7 times, one to one hundredths.
Dolisos
Taken from the latin "Dol", which means pain and the greek "Iso",
which means similar. This is the basis of homeopathy.
Drainage
A therapeutic method that reactivates the functioning of organs or
systems, facilitating the elimination of toxins.
Elastin
Highly elastic albumin-like
protein fiber found in the dermis, blood vessels, capillaries and other
elastic tissue in the body. Allows skin to stretch then “snap back” when
we are young; contributes to sagging skin as the quality of elastin is
reduced with age. (Animal origin by-product)
Enteric-coated
A coating that prevents a tablet or capsule from being digested until it
reaches the small intestine.
Enzyme/Coenzyme
Complex protein compounds found in living cells which speed biochemical
reactions. Thousands of different enzymes are manufactured in the human
body. Enzymes are the catalysts for all metabolic reactions.
The skin is the body’s largest enzyme-producing organ.
(Vegetable and animal origins.)
A
coenzyme works with an enzyme to produce
a particular reaction.
Essential Oils, Descriptions of; See also,
All About Aromatherapy
Extract, Herbal (Fluid)
An extract of an herb that is made according to official (and
unofficial) pharmaceutical practice, with a strength of 1:1. That means
each ounce of the fluid extract has the
solutes found in an ounce of the dried herb. Advantageous for some herbs
(such as Arctium or Taraxacum), where the active constituents retain the
same proportions as in the plant, even though reduced to a very small
volume of menstruum, it is deadly for others (such as Hydrastis or
Lobelia), whose constituents may have wildly varying solubility, and
whose fluid extract will contain only the most
soluble constituents and lack others completely. The gradual
disappearance of herbal preparations in Standard Medicine in the 1930s
can partly be attributed to the almost complete reliance on fluid
extracts. Some manufacturers (notably Lilly and SK&F) sold
Tinctures (1:5 strength and meant to, at the least, contain EVERYTHING
in the plant) that were made from diluted fluid
extracts. Some fluid extracts were even
made from dilutions of what were termed Solid
Extracts....heat-evaporated tars, easy to store, easy to make in huge
labor-minimal batches, where 100 pounds of Blue Cohosh could be reduced
to 25 pounds of solid extract. This convenience pitch, with many
constituents oxidized by heat, others never even extracted, could be
diluted four times to sell as a fluid extract,
TWENTY time to market as a tincture. These practices by American
pharmaceutical manufacturers, with eyes perhaps on the larger drug trade
(the use of crude drugs being a diminished part of their commerce, yet
needing MANY different preparations...and being labor-intensive and
profit-minimal...and sort of old-fashioned) ended up supplying
terminally impaired products. Their value being reduced, physicians
relied more and more on mainstream pharmaceuticals...and the medical use
of whole plant preparations died.
Fat-soluble
Compounds which are stored in the liver and fatty tissues of the body,
such as vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Fatty acids
A fat soluble acid, found in the epidermis and in cosmetic products.
Key components of lipids required in the body for cell membrane function
and integrity, healthy skin, cholesterol metabolism, and prostaglandin
production. Fatty acids can be saturated (acetic, butyric, palmitic
acids), monounsaturated (oleic acid), or polyunsaturated (linoleic,
linolenic, arachidonic acids).
Fiber
Flavinoids (aka: Vitamin P)
A variety
of over 3000 plant chemicals with a characteristic yellow color (flavis
is yellow in Latin), they are the most prevalent pigments in the plant
kingdom next to chlorophyll and carotenoids. All flavonoids are
anti-oxidants; some are also circulatory stimulants, anti-irritants,
anti-inflammatory or diuretics. Anthocyanins, anthoxanthins, apigenins,
flavones, isoflavones, flavonois and bioflavonols are all flavonoids.
Flavonoids
Another name for bioflavonoids.
Folic acid
A member of the B vitamin complex essential for normal growth,
reproduction, and the formation of heme, the iron-containing protein in
hemoglobin.
Free Radical
One or more unpaired
electrons capable of independent existence. In the skin, stabilizers
itself by stealing an electron form the atoms forming lipids, collagen,
elastin, enzymes, hormones, hormone receptors (see all), keratin, cell
membranes, and other proteins, fats and amino acid substances. Free
radicals, whose attacks last less than a millisecond, are believed by
many researchers to be the bottom line of aging and many diseases,
including Alzheimer’s, arthritis, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s, birth
defects such as Down’s syndrome, cancer, LDL cholesterol, lupus
erythematosus, skin sclerosis and fibrosis, keloids, hyper- and
hypo-pigmentation, acne, cellulite, overly sensitive skin, dandruff and
even hangovers. Types of free radicals include hydroxyl and superoxide
radicals.
Freeze-dried
A solid substance isolated from a solution by freezing the solution and
evaporating the ice under vacuum.
Fructose
A simple sugar which occurs naturally in fruit or honey.
Fumarate
A compound formed when a mineral (usually iron) is bound to fumaric
acid.
GABA
Gamma-aminobutyric acid, a chemical associated with nervous system
function.
Germanium
A trace mineral.
Glucans
Polysaccharides with immune
stimulating abilities; found on the cell walls of yeast, oat, barley and
other plants.
Gluconate
A compound formed when a mineral is bound to gluconic acid.
Glucosamine
A compound manufactured from glucose used in building cartilage.
Glutamic acid/Glutamine
A nonessential amino acid which serves primarily as a brain fuel; the
precursor to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Glycine
A nonessential amino acid which participates in the body's synthesis of
purines, porphyrins, creatine, and glyoxylic acid.
GMO
Genetically Modified Organism. Genetically engineered soybeans were
developed to yield larger harvests at reduced costs. Developed by
transplanting a target protein, derived froma type of bacterium commonly
found in soil, to make the plant resistant to herbicides, which is used
to treat many soybeans fields.
Granules
-- see pellets
HCl
The chemical symbol for hydrochloric acid, which plays an important role
in the digestion of proteins.
(HPUS) The Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the
United States
Herbal,
Preparations
Hesperidin
A bioflavonoid derived from citrus fruit.
Homeopathy
A system of alternative medicine that seeks to treat patients by
administering small doses of medicines that would bring on symptoms
similar to those of the patient in a healthy person.
Hormone Receptor
Molecules on cell
walls that receive specific hormones into a cell.
Hormones
They are chemical messengers within the body that tell cells what
to do. Hormones control a wide range of bodily functions including
reproduction, sex drive, sleep, immunity, and digestion, to the ability
to think and talk.
The skin is the largest hormone-producing organ of the
body.
Certain key hormones
decline, notably
DHEA.
Hydrocortisone
An anti-inflammatory
naturally produced by the adrenal glands and synthetically produced for
use as a drug. Applied to the skin in cases of itching, redness,
blistering and other signs of allergy. Also called cortisol.(Hard to
replace naturally)
Hydroxy Group
The chemical group that
defines a hydroxy acid. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (see AHA) attach this group
to the alpha site of the molecule, while Beta Hydroxy Acids (see BHA)
attach it to the beta site. Chemically, one or more hydroxyl groups
(•OH) in addition to the carboxyl group (•COOH).
Inositol
A water-soluble chemical compound closely related to glucose, stored
largely in the brain, heart muscle, and skeletal muscle. Inositol has a
lipotropic effect and may aid in the metabolism of fats.
Iodine
An essential nutrient used in producing thyroid hormones which affect
physical and mental growth, the functioning of nerves and muscles, and
metabolism.
Iron
An essential mineral needed to build red blood cells, available in food
as heme (organic) or non-heme (non-organic) iron. Heme iron is absorbed
more efficiently.
Isoflavones
A group of compounds found in soy that are largely
responsible for soy's health benefits. The two most prominent
isoflavones are genistein and daidzein.
Jing
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, a vital basic within
the body; usually translated as "essence." Crucial to the development of
the individual throughout life.
Kelp
Another name for seaweed, which is rich in iodine and other nutrients,
including most water-soluble vitamins.
Krebs cycle
The final chemical pathway in the conversion of nutrients to energy.
Lactate
A compound formed when a mineral is bound to lactic acid.
Lauryl Glucoside
A powerful grease-cutting surfactant that is mild & biodegrades
quickly. It is made by combining glucose from corn with fatty alcohols
from coconut & palm kernel oils.
Lecithin
A versatile phospholipid found in all living organisms. Phospholipids
are structural components of cell membranes, potential energy sources,
and components of certain enzymes. Lecithin is a well-known fat
emulsifier.
Lipase
A fat-digesting enzyme.
Lipids
Any fat or
fatlike substance, including oils, sterols, and complex compounds such
as phospholipids. Found between epidermal cells
and in cell membranes, these fatty substances (some of which are also
attracted to water) make up a large family of ingredients and biological
components that act as moisturizers, reduce moisture loss, restore
skin’s supple, flexible nature, and reinforce the skin’s natural barrier
protection. (Animal and vegetable)
Lysine
An essential amino acid required for growth; helps the body effectively
use fatty acids for energy production.
Lysozyme
An enzyme that digests certain high molecular weight carbohydrates.
Macrocystis pyrifera
A Pacific kelp rich in trace minerals such as selenium.
Magnesium
An essential mineral found in bones, teeth, and red blood cells,
magnesium activates many enzyme systems (such as those involved in
protein digestion and energy production); affects calcium metabolism;
and relaxes nerve impulses and muscle contractions.
Malate
A compound formed when a mineral is bound to malic acid.
Manganese
An essential mineral which activates enzyme systems involved in protein
and energy metabolisin. Manganese is involved in connective tissue and
bone formation, insulin action, and cholesterol synthesis.
Metabolism
The chemical reactions that break down food into usable nutrients for
immediate energy, and build nutrient molecules into more complex
molecules for specific body functions.
Methylparaben
Methylparaben
A gentle and safe preservative.
Methionine
An essential amino acid which contains sulfur.
Mineral
A chemical element found in the ash that remains after a food or body
tissue is burned. Macrominerals (such as calcium, magnesium, and
potassium) are required in larger amounts than microminerals (such as
chromium, manganese, selenium, and zinc). Minerals serve many purposes
in the human body.
Mineral Oil
Modalities
A group of circumstances that will improve or aggravate a symptom:
such as weather, humidity, rest, exercise. They will determine
the remedy most appropriate to each individual.
Molybdenum
A trace mineral which plays a role in three enzyme systems involved in
the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins; also found in
tooth enamel.
Mother Tinctures (M.T.)
Preparations derived from plants. The fresh plant is
macerated for 21 days in a mixture of water and alcohol. The
Mother Tincture is filtered and preserved at specific temperatures.
Mucilage
A water-soluble, gel-forming fiber.
Mucopolysaccharide
A polysaccharide containing hexosamine (as glucosamine) which helps form
mucins--substances that cement cells together and lubricate joints.
Mycozyme
An enzyme that digests carbohydrates.
Natural
A material in its 100%
natural state, with the original, naturally-formed chemical bonds
intact. If the material is processed for use in cosmetics, only enough
energy is used to change the physical form of the substance (grinding,
chopping) leaving its chemical structure unaltered.
Niacinamide
The biologically active form of niacin occurring in the body's tissues.
N on-GMO
See GMO
Organic
Any substance derived naturally from a living organism. Any
carbon-containing nutrient, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and
vitamins. See also Why Organic?
Oxalic Acid
A calcium inhibitor found in many high-calcium greens
and other vegetables. Although many foods containing oxalic acid are
healthy, you may want to avoid them if you're focusing on dietary
calcium to prevent osteoporosis.
Oxide
A compound formed when a mineral is combined with oxygen.
PABA
Para-aminobenzoic acid, an essential part of the folacin molecule.
A natural sunscreen component of the B vitamin complex.
Pancreatic enzyme
An enzyme derived from fresh porcine pancreas which assists in the
digestion of proteins and starch.
Pangamate
A compound formed when a mineral is combined with pangamic acid.
Papain
The protein-digesting enzyme derived from papaya.
Panthenol
Vitamin B
Pellets (granules)
Small white spheres made of sucrose and lactose. Neutral
granules become medicated when impregnated with the active ingredient in
the dilution selected. They are packaged in tubes containing 80
granules. The usual dosage is three to five granules at a time and
the granules are dissolved under the tongue.
pH
A symbol representing the
concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution. The pH scale extends from
0 to 14, with a value of 7 expressing neutral values of 6, 9 or lower
expressing increased acidity and values of 7.1 or higher expressing
increased alkalinity (base).
Phenylalanine
An essential amino acid converted to tyrosine in the body.
Phosphatidylcholine
Another name for lecithin.
Phytochemical
A general term referring to thousands of compounds naturally occurring
in plant foods including Vitamins, Minerals, &
Phytoestrogen (Phytochemical)
A plant substance with activity similar to human estrogen, but with
important differences. Like real estrogen, plant estrogens bind to
estrogen receptors in cells, thereby preventing real estrogen from
binding to these cells. Unlike real estrogen, however, plant estrogens
do not stimulate cell growth, therefore, plant estrogens are believed
to inhibit the growth of tumors that would normally be stimulated to
grow by real estrogen .
Phytosome
A molecule created when an herbal substance is combined with
phosphatidylcholine. The new molecule is both water-soluble and
fat-soluble, for greater bioavailability and absorption.
Picolinate
A compound formed when a mineral is combined with picolinic acid.
Pituitary
A gland located at the base of the brain which produces hormones that
regulate endocrine activity. Pituitary hormones affect the adrenal
glands, thyroid, kidneys, and sexual glands.
Polypeptide fraction
Ten to one hundred amino acids chemically joined by a peptide bond.
Polysaccharide
A carbohydrate made up of a combination of monosaccharide molecules,
such as starch, dextrin, glycogen, and cellulose.
Polysorbate 20
An emulsifier derived from coconut oil.
Polysorbate 80
Potassium
The third most abundant element in the human body. This essential
mineral is involved in acid-base balance, the transfer of nutrients into
and out of cells, insulin secretion, muscle relaxation, and various
enzyme reactions.
Potpourri, Crafting
Precursor
A substance used by the body to form another compound.
Predigested soluble concentrate
A glandular extract that has been predigested using enzymes for greater
bioavailability and easy absorption.
Probiotic
A general term used for supplements that do
not kill bacteria directly (like antibiotics), but rather bolster the
body's own defenses. It includes various vitamins & herbs that
stimulate immune function, including
Echinacea & Acidophilus. Although
antibiotics can be effective in wiping out an infection, in the
process they kill "good" bacteria within the intestine that help aid
in digestion, & can cause stomach upset & vaginal yeast infections.
Besides, antibiotics are not invincible. In fact, they can be rendered
defenseless against antibiotic resistant bacteria.
Propolis
A resinous, waxy material collected by bees from the buds of trees.
Protease
A protein-digesting enzyme.
Protein
Composed of amino acids,
proteins form most of a cell’s structure and cell products, which
include keratin, collagen, elastin, melanin, enzymes, hormones and
antibodies. (Animal and vegetable)
Proteolytic
Protein-digesting.
Provings
The proving of a remedy is all the physical and psychological
afflictions exhibited by a healthy person during the testing of a
remedy. Precise knowledge of a remedy and its homeopathic
effects results from its proving.
Potentization
A step in the production of homeopathic remedies that creates
molecular movement between dilutions (100 succutions).
Raw Materials
A product, substance or complex from which homeopathic dilutions
are derived. Raw materials are of vegetable, animal,
micro-organic, mineral or chemical origin.
Pyridoxal phosphate
A form of vitamin B6 which acts as a coenzyme in the brain for the
production of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), an inhibitory
neurotransmitter.
Pyridoxine
The scientific name for vitamin B6.
Quercetin
A highly active bioflavonoid which is absorbed most effectively in
combination with bromelain.
Raw glandulars
Glands and organs specially processed at temperatures not exceeding body
heat and put into supplement form.
Retinyl palmitate
Vitamin A
Riboflavin
The scientific name for vitamin B2.
RNA
Ribonucleic acid, molecules that put into action the messages from DNA
for cells to fulfill their specific roles.
Rose hips
The fruit at the base of the rose bloom of plants in the Rosaceae
family, an excellent source of vitamin C.
Rutin
A bioflavonoid obtained from buckwheat leaves.
Selenium
A rare trace mineral that protects cells against free-radical damage as
part of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase.
Silymarin
A bioflavonoid complex found in the seeds of
milk
thistle (silybum mariannum) Silymarin is responsible for the
liver-protective health benefits of the plant.
Similitude
The law of similitude is the basis of homeopathic theory. It
means finding the remedy that when given to a healthy person during
proving, produces the same symptoms as those seen in the patient.
For example, Ipeca causes a healthy person to vomit. As a
homeopathic remedy, IPECA is used to treat vomiting in a patient with
symptoms of persistent nausea and excessive salivation.
Single-Dose
A quantity of homeopathic remedy meant to be taken at one time.
A single dose tube contains small white spheres of sucrose and
lactose.
Squalene
An oil that was traditionally obtained from the liver of sharks.
Today, however, it can be produced in smaller amounts from olive oil,
wheatgerm oil, & rice bran oil. It's very expensive for this reason.
Used in burn treatments & in specialty skin care products for its
emollient, healing & moisture protection.
Sodium
Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
A surfactant that is used to alleviate dirt and grease, generating
copiuos suds, and biodegrades quickly & completely. It is made by
combining a sulfate group with lauryl alcohol from coconut oil, then
attaching sodium. If improperly formulated, SLS can irritate skin. A
good natural formula uses coco-betaine (cocnut oil) & lauryl
glucosides to counter irritation.
Sorbitol Fact Sheet
Soy,
Benefits of
Sterol
One of a class of fatlike substances.
Succinate
A compound formed when a mineral is combined with succinic acid, an
intermediate product in the Krebs cycle.
Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD)
Enzyme
which scavenges free radicals by using superoxide to form its molecular
body. SOD is found throughout the body and is believed by some longevity
researchers to be a primary element for long life. In the skin, it is
destroyed by sunlight.
Stratum Corneum (S.C.)
The skin’s
barrier layer; is the outermost layer of epidermis, about the thickness
of one human hair, and is made up of 25-30 layers of flat, dead cells
completely filled with keratin, a waterproof protein.
Tannins
Tannis are 2 large groups of complex substances that are widely
distributed throughout the plant kingdom. The terms tannins and tannic acid are often
confused. There are two kinds of tannins. First, condensed tannins are a
class of compounds called flavanols. These include catechins,
epicatechins, and the powerful antioxidant, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
These compounds are the ones that provide teas with their healthful
benefits. The second group of tannins, called hydrolyzable tannins, is
more prevalant, and includes tannic acid. They typically occur in the
bark and fruit of trees, such as oak and sumac. These tannins are used
in the dying and tanning industries and are not found in teas. Positive
and negative health effects have been reported relating to the
consumption of tannins. In living tissues tannins exhibit an astringent
action. This is the basis for the historical use of tannins to treat
diarrhea and burns. Other reported benefits include anti-viral effects
and the inhibition of both tumor initiation and the mutagenicity of
several carcinogens. In addition, tannins are reported to increase the
retention of Vitamin C and to prevent the development of dental plaque.
They appear to have antioxidant properties as well. On the other hand,
high levels of tannins may inhibit the aborption of such nutrients as protein, iron and Vitamin
A.
Taurine
A chemical present in bile.
Tea
Terms
See Tea Taster's Lingo
Thiamine
The scientific name for vitamin B1.
Tocopherol
Any of four different forms (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, delta-) of vitamin
E. Alpha-tocopherol has the greatest vitamin E activity. Synthetic dI-alpha-tocopherol
has the same activity as natural alpha-tocopherol.
Trypsin/chymotrypsin
A digestive enzyme (formed in the small intestine) which breaks down
polypeptides or proteins.
Tyrosine
A nonessential amino acid used to manufacture adrenal and thyroid
hormones, and converted into the skin pigment melanin.
Unsaturated fatty acid
Any fatty acid containing one or more double bonds, including oleic,
linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic acids.
Vanadium
A trace mineral involved in growth, reproduction, and red blood cells.
Vitamin
Any organic substance essential for the health, growth, reproduction,
and maintenance of the body. Vitamins usually act as coenzymes or
precursors of coenzymes in regulating metabolic processes, but do not
provide energy.
Vitamin K
Phytanadione. A component of
green leafy vegetables first discovered in 1929. Vitamin K is produced
in the intestines and is linked to the production of clotting factors in
the body. Reportedly assists in healing broken capillaries and
reabsorbing blood.
Whey
Whey is a collective term referring to the serum or watery part of milk
that remains after the manufacture of cheese. Whey can be transformed
into a dry product by different techniques, and the quality of the
product varies with the technology applied.
Dry whey is an off-white to cream-colored product with a characteristic
whey flavor. It is manufactured by removing a substantial portion of
water from fresh sweet or fresh acid whey. The whey is pasteurized and
no preservatives are added. Except for moisture, all the constituents of
fluid whey are retained in the same relative proportion in dry whey.
Two major types of whey are available as whey protein sources. In the
United States, acid whey, with a pH of <5.1, is produced from cottage
cheese manufacture. Sweet whey, with a pH of >5.6, results from
rennet-coagulated cheese manufacture. Although the composition of each
whey type is somewhat different and variable, both sweet and acid whey
contain about 0.7%-0.8% protein on a liquid basis, with whey proteins
only representing about 10%-12% of the total solids of whey.
Whey factor
The water and solids of milk that remain after the curd is removed;
contains lactose, protein, minerals, enzymes, water-soluble vitamins,
and traces of fat.
Wildcrafted
Grown and harvested in the wild without pesticides.
More on
wildcrafting herbs. Zinc
An essential trace mineral needed for normal skin, bones, and hair;
proper wound healing and insulin function; and enzyme systems involved
in digestion and respiration.
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