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Glossary
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.

Non-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.