Glossary - Medical

Actinic keratosis - Abnormal skin growth stimulated by ultraviolet radiation from sunlight; may lead to a type of cancer called basal cell carcinoma. (3)
Acute illness - An illness that may cause severe symptoms but is of limited duration. Term is also sometimes used to mean “severe.” (3)
Adaptogen - Tonic, normalizes all systems and organs, stress healer. (2)
Adaptogenic - Helps the body adapt to stress and supports normal function. (1)
Addison’s disease - A disease caused by failure of the adrenal glands, marked by lack of appetite, weakness, digestive problems, and darkening of the skin. (3)
Adrenaline - See epinephrine. (3)
Allergen - A normally harmless substance, such as pollen, that provokes an immune response. (3)
Allergy - An immune response to an allergen, such as hay fever developing in response to grass pollen. (3)
Alopecia - Medical term for hair loss. (3)
Alterative - Changes assimilation processes to regulate body functions. (2)
Amino acid - One of the twenty-two nitrogen-bearing substances that the body uses to create proteins. (3)
Anabolic - Promotes tissue growth. (1)
Analgesic - Reduces pain. (1) Pain reliever. (2) An agent that reduces pain. (3)
Anaphrodisiac - Inhibits libido and sexual activity. (1)
Anaphylactic shock - A severe allergic reaction that can occur within seconds of contact with the allergen, marked by very low blood pressure and breathing difficulties. (3)
Anemia - A condition in which the bloodstream cannot carry enough oxygen to meet the needs of the body’s tissues. (3)
Anesthetic - Numbs perception of external sensations. (1)
Angina - A spasmodic, choking, or suffocating pain caused by a reduction in the heart muscle’s supply of oxygen. (3)
Anorexia - Lack of appetite. (1)
Anthelmintic - Expels or destroys parasitic worms. (1)
Anthraquinones - Irritate the intestinal wall causing a bowel movement. (1)
Anti-inflammatory - Reduces inflammation. (1) Stops or reduces inflammation. (2)
Antibacterial - Kills or prevents bacterial growth. (2)
Antibiotic - Destroys or inhibits microorganisms. (1) An agent that acts against bacteria. (3)
Antibody - A protein, created by the immune system, designed to react to a specific microorganism or other foreign matter. (3)
Anticatarrhal - Eliminates mucus (see expectorant). (2)
Anticoagulant - Prevents blood clotting. (1) Blood thinner. (2)
Antiemetic - Stops or relieves vomiting. (2)
Antifungal - Combats fungal infections. (1) Kills or prevents the growth of fungi. (2)
Antigen - A foreign substance that triggers the body to produce antibodies. (3)
Antihistamine - Reduces or stops allergic reactions. (2) An agent that opposes the action of histamine. (See histamine.) (3)
Antimicrobial - Destroys or inhibits microorganisms. (1) Kills or reduces the spread of all microscopic pathogens (bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites). (2)
Antioxidant - Prevents oxidation and breakdown of tissues. (1) Substance that protects cells against the effects of free radicals. Free radicals can damage cells, and may play a role in heart disease, cancer, and other diseases. Some antioxidants are beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, selenium, and vitamins A, C, and E. (3)
Antiparasitic - Kills or prevents the growth of parasites (intestinal worms, protozoa, amoeba, etc.). (2)
Antipyretic - Lowers body temperature to reduce fevers. (2)
Antiseptic - Destroys or inhibits microorganisms that cause infection. (1) Kills toxic bacteria to prevent infection. (2)
Antispasmodic - Relieves muscle spasm, or reduces muscle tone. (1) Calms contraction of smooth muscles; for twitching, spasms, coughing, cramping. (2)
Antitussive - Soothes and relieves coughing. (1)
Antiviral - Kills or prevents the growth of viruses. (2)
Aperient - Mild laxative. (1)
Aphrodisiac - Excites libido and sexual activity. (1) Increases libido and sexual function. (2)
Aromatic - Fragrant, spicy herbs that stimulate the gastrointestinal system. (2)
Arrhythmia - Any deviation from the heartbeat’s normal rhythm. (3)
Arteriosclerosis - A stiffening and thickening of the walls of arteries caused by cholesterol or calcium deposits. (3)
Artery - A blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart and toward the rest of the body’s tissues. (3)
Ascites - The accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, usually caused by liver disease. (3)
Aseptic - Free from contamination by harmful bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms. (1)
Astringent - Tightens mucous membranes and skin, reducing secretions and bleeding from abrasions. (1) Contracts, constricts, or shrinks tissues, stops discharges. (2) An agent that causes contraction, especially after being applied to the skin. (3)
Atherosclerosis - A common form of arteriosclerosis in which fatty deposits form within the inner linings of arteries. (3)
Autoimmune disease - A condition in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. Examples include lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. (3)
Autonomic nervous system - Part of the nervous system responsible for the control of bodily functions that are not consciously directed; e.g., sweating, beating of the heart. (1)
Ayurvedic medicine - Traditional Indian system of medicine. (1) Also called ayurveda, it is one of the world’s oldest medical systems. It originated in India and has evolved there over thousands of years. Ayurvedic medicine utilizes diet, detoxification, and purification techniques, herbal and mineral remedies, yoga, breathing exercises, meditation, and massage therapy as holistic healing methods. (3)
B cell - An immune-system cell that creates antibodies. (See antibody.) (3)
Bacteria - Single-celled microbes. Some bacteria can cause disease, while others, known as “friendly” bacteria, help the body by aiding digestion and protecting against harmful organisms. (3)
Benign - Pertaining to cells or tumors that are not cancerous. (3)
Bile - A yellowish secretion, created in the liver, that is released into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion. (3)
Biopsy - Removal of tissue for diagnostic purposes. (3)
Bitter - Stimulates secretions of saliva and digestive juices, increasing appetite. (1)
Blood lipids - Lipids (fats) are needed by the body to build cell membranes, make certain hormones, and store energy. Cholesterol and triglycerides are the main types of lipids measured in routine blood tests. (3)
Blood-brain barrier - A protective feature, involving capillary walls and other cells, that permits the entry of only certain substances into the brain. (3)
Candidiasis - Infection with the yeast Candida, especially Candida albicans. (3)
Capillaries - Tiny blood vessels that link arteries with veins, and through which nutrients and wastes pass to and from the body’s cells. (3)
Carcinogenic - Causes cancer. (1)
Carcinoma - A cancer that arises from the cells, called epithelial cells, that line the body inside and out. (3)
Cardiac - Pertaining to the heart. Also, pertaining to the stomach area adjacent to the esophagus. (3)
Cardiotonic - Improves heart function. (1)
Carminative - Relieves digestive gas and indigestion. (1) Eases digestive cramps and releases gas. (2)
Carrier oil - Oil such as wheatgerm, to which essential oils are added in order to dilute them for use. (1)
Cathartic - A drastic purgative. (1)
Cervical dysplasia - Abnormal cell growth on the cervix that may lead to cervical cancer. (3)
Chemotherapy - The use of drugs to treat disease, especially drug therapy for cancer. (3)
Cholagogue - Stimulates secretion of bile. (2) A substance that stimulates the production of bile. (3)
Cholecystitis - Inflammation of the gallbladder. (3)
Cholesterol - A waxy substance used by the body for a number of purposes, including the creation of cell membranes and hormones. Most, approximately 85 percent, of the body’s cholesterol supply is made in the liver, with the rest being obtained from food. (3)
Chronic illness - An illness that recurs or persists for an extended period of time. (3)
Chyme - Undigested food in the stomach. (3)
Circulatory stimulant - Increases blood flow, usually to a given area; e.g., hands and feet. (1)
Cirrhosis - Liver disease marked by the development of scar tissue and nodules, which eventually leads to loss of liver function. (3)
Climacteric - A period of transition from fertility to menopause in which production of estrogen, the main female hormone, diminishes. Also called perimenopause. (3)
Colic - Abdominal pain produced by strong contractions of intestines or bladder. (1)
Collagen - A gelatinous protein found in connective tissue. (3)
Complication - A secondary problem that arises as the result of the initial illness, and that tends to make recovery longer and/or more difficult. (3)
Compress - A cloth pad soaked in a hot or cold herbal extract and applied to the skin. (1) A cloth used to apply heat, cold, or drugs to the body’s surface. (3)
Constipation - A condition in which bowel movements are infrequent or difficult. (3)
Cortisol - A hormone produced in response to stress. (3)
Costochondritis - Inflammation of the cartilage attached to a rib. (3)
Counterirritant - Superficial irritant used to relieve more deep-seated pain or discomfort. (1)
Cream - A mixture of water and fat or oil that blends with the skin. (1)
Crohn’s disease - A chronic inflammatory disease that leads to ulceration, anywhere from the mouth to the anus. (3)
Cystitis - Inflammation of the bladder. (3)
Decoction - Water-based preparation of bark, roots, berries, or seeds simmered in boiling water. (1) Liquid medicine made with boiled extracts of water-soluble substances. (3)
Dementia - A breakdown of mental function, marked by personality changes and decline in the ability to speak, remember, think, and/or orient oneself to the outside world. (3)
Demulcent - Coats, soothes, and protects body surfaces such as the gastric mucous membranes. (1) Soothes and provides a protective coating. (2)
Depurative - Detoxifying agent. (1)
Dermatitis - Inflammation of the skin. (3)
Detoxification - The process of aiding removal of toxins and waste products from the body. (1)
Diaphoretic - Induces sweating. (1) Causes sweating to break a fever. (2)
Diarrhea - A condition in which bowel movements are more frequent or contain more fluid than normal. (3)
Diastolic pressure - The blood pressure exerted between heartbeats. (3)
Differentiation - Process of the life of a cell. All cells develop and mature to be able to have a distinct useful function in the body. (3)
Diuretic - Stimulates urine flow. (1) Increases urination, eliminates excess water from the body. (2) An agent that increases urine output. (3)
Dopamine - A substance created by the body that serves as a neurotransmitter. (See neurotransmitter.) (3)
Duodenal - Pertaining to the first portion of the intestine just after the stomach. (3)
Dysentery - Inflammation of the large intestine marked by bloody diarrhea and cramps. (3)
Dysmenorrhea - Difficult or painful menstruation. (3)
Edema - Fluid retention. (1) Swelling caused by fluid retention. (3)
Ejection fraction - Amount of blood pumped by the heart into circulation with each heartbeat. (3)
Electrolyte - A substance, such as calcium and other minerals, that can conduct electrical impulses when dissolved in body fluids. Usually associated with maintenance of the body’s fluid balance. (3)
Elixir - A liquid herbal preparation with a pleasant taste, due to the addition of honey or sugar. (1)
Emetic - Causes vomiting. (1)(2)
Emmenagogue - Stimulates menstrual flow. (1) Increases blood flow to the uterus and pelvis. (2)
Emollient - Softens or soothes the skin. (1)
Epididymitis - Inflammation of the ducts through which sperm leave the testes. (3)
Epinephrine - A stimulant hormone that increases the rate and force of the heartbeat, quickens the breathing, causes the liver to break down its energy stores for immediate use, and serves as a neurotransmitter. (See neurotransmitter.) Also known as adrenaline. (3)
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) - A virus responsible for infectious mononucleosis (a disease marked by fatigue, sore throat, and swollen glands) and linked to a number of other disorders. (3)
Essential fatty acid (EFA) - A fatty acid that is required by the body, but which the body cannot create itself. There are two types of EFAs, omega-3s and omega-6s, which must be obtained from food. (3)
Essential oil - Distillation of volatile oils derived from aromatic plants. (1) A volatile substance responsible for the odor or taste of a plant. (3)
Estradiol - The most active form of estrogen in the body. (3)
Estrogen - The main female hormone, important to both the menstrual cycle and to the development of secondary sex characteristics such as breast growth. (3)
Estrogenic - With a similar action to estrogen in the body, supporting and maintaining the female reproductive organs. (1)
Expectorant - Stimulates coughing and helps clear phlegm from the throat and chest. (1) Thins and expels respiratory tract mucus. (2) An agent that promotes the elimination of mucus from the respiratory tract. (3)
Extract (herbal) - Liquid extracts are made of active herbal ingredients dissolved in a liquid (usually water, alcohol, or glycerol). Liquid extracts are more concentrated than tinctures and are typically a 1:1 concentration. (3)
Exudate - Fluid expelled through the skin. (3)
Febrifuge - Reduces fever. (1)
Fixed oil - A nonvolatile oil (plant constituent). An oil produced by hot or cold infusion (preparation). (1)
Flatulence - The presence of an abnormally large amount of gas in the stomach and intestines. (3)
Flavonoid - Any of a large group of crystalline compounds found in plants. Although not technically vitamins, flavonoids are labeled as vitamin P. They enhance vitamin C’s functions by protecting it from oxidation and improving how vitamin C is absorbed. (3)
Free radical - An unstable molecule produced during the body’s use of oxygen. Such a molecule can damage tissues. (3)
Free-radical scavenger - A substance that eliminates free radicals. (3)
Galenical - A medicine, in a standard formula, prepared from plants. (1)
Gallstone - A hard, crystal-like structure found in the gallbladder or a bile duct, composed chiefly of cholesterol. (3)
Gastric - Pertaining to the stomach. (3)
Gastritis - Inflammation of the stomach lining. (3)
Gingivitis - Inflammation of the gums. (3)
Glomerulonephritis - Inflammation of that portion of the kidney, the glomerulus, which filters wastes from the blood. (3)
Glucose - A simple sugar that is one of the body’s primary sources of energy. (3)
Gluten-free - A gluten-free diet is a diet that excludes foods containing gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat (including kamut and spelt), barley, rye, malts, and triticale. (3)
Hallucinogenic - Causes visions or hallucinations. (1)
Hemorrhage - Abnormal or profuse bleeding. (3)
Hemostatic - Stops or reduces bleeding. (1)
Hepatic - Affects the liver. (1) Regulates bile. (2)
Hepatitis - Inflammation of the liver, usually caused by a virus but sometimes caused by other agents, such as toxins. (3)
Hepatoprotective - Protects the liver. (1)
Hepatotoxic - Poisoning the liver. (3)
Herpes - A family of viruses responsible for a number of different disorders, including chickenpox, cold sores, genital herpes, ocular keratitis, and shingles. (3)
Histamine - A chemical, produced by the body in response to an allergen, that can cause breathing difficulties and low blood pressure. (3)
HIV - Human immunodeficiency virus. (3)
Homeopathy - A whole medical system that was developed in Germany more than 200 years ago. Homeopathy seeks to stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself by giving very small doses of highly diluted substances. (3)
Hormonal - Plant with hormonal properties, phytoestrogen. (2)
Hormone - A chemical messenger that regulates bodily functions. (3)
Human papillomavirus (HBV) - A virus that causes genital warts and could be a cause of cervical cancer. (3)
Hypertension - High blood pressure. (1) (3)
Hypertrophy - A general increase in the bulk of a tissue or organ that is not due to a tumor. (3)
Hypnotic - Induces sleep. (1)
Hypoglycemia - Low blood sugar. (3)
Hypoglycemic - Lowers blood glucose levels. (1)
Hypotension - Low blood pressure. (1) (3)
Immune stimulant - Stimulates the body’s immune defenses to counter infection. (1)
Immunity - The ability to resist infection or illness. (3)
Immunostimulant - Increasing the ability of the immune system to fight infection. (3)
Immunosuppressant - Decreasing the ability of the immune system to fight infection. (3)
Immunotherapy - The use of immune-strengthening techniques to fight illness. (3)
Incontinence - The inability to hold urine or stool for voluntary excretion. (3)
Infection - Invasion of the body by harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses. (3)
Inflammation - The body’s response to irritation or injury, generally involving redness, swelling, and warmth. (3)
Infusion - Water-based preparation in which flowers, leaves, or stems are brewed in a similar way to tea. (1)
Inhalation - Breathing of medicinally infused steam or liquid through the nasal passages. (1)
Insomnia - The inability to sleep. (3)
Insulin - A hormone that enables the transport of sugar or fatty acids into most of the body’s cells. (3)
Insulin resistance - See type 2 diabetes. (3)
Intercostal - Pertaining to the spaces between the ribs. (3)
Interferon - Any of a family of protein compounds that slow the course of viral infection. (3)
Interleukin - Any of a family of proteins that stimulate the immune system, including to produce B cells and T cells. (See B cell, T cell.) (3)
Intermittent-fever - A fever that recurs regularly; e.g., malaria. (1)
Intramuscular - Refers to injections given into muscle tissue. (3)
Isoflavones - A class of phytochemicals that have weak estrogen-like effects; their use should be discussed with a doctor in patients with estrogen-based cancers such as breast cancer or those at risk for them. They have been shown to offer mild protection for the bones and heart. (3)
Jaundice - A yellowish staining of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, caused by too much bile pigment (bilirubin) in the blood. (3)
Keratitis - Inflammation of the cornea. (3)
Ketoacidosis - Acidification of the blood, generally caused by diabetes. (3)
Laxative - Promotes evacuation of the bowels. (1) Stimulates bowel movements. (2) An agent that loosens the bowels. (3)
Leaky gut syndrome - A condition in which the intestinal walls allow relatively large food particles or bacteria to pass into the bloodstream. (3)
Leukocyte - See white blood cell. (3)
Leukopenia - Low white blood cell count. (3)
Liniment - External medication applied by rubbing. (1)
Lipid peroxides - Harmful substances that break down fats. (3)
Lipoprotein - A molecule that combines protein and fat, which allows fatty substances to be transported through the watery bloodstream. (3)
Lymph node - One of a number of organs that filter foreign material from lymph, a clear fluid that circulates within the body’s tissues. Lymph nodes also create lymphocytes. (See lymphocytes.) (3)
Lymphocyte - Any of a group of white blood cells with specialized immune functions, such as B cells and T cells. (See B cell, T cell.) (3)
Macrophage - A “germ-eating” immune-system cell. (3)
Malignant - Pertaining to cells that are cancerous. (3)
Melatonin - An antioxidant hormone that protects damaged cells; also involved in the sleep-wake cycle. (3)
Menopause - The termination of menstruation, caused by decreases in the levels of estrogen and progesterone. (3)
Menorrhagia - Abnormally heavy menstrual periods. (3)
Metastatic - Pertaining to cancer that has spread from the site where it first developed. (3)
Mucilaginous - Expands and adheres to tissues to soothe them. (2)
Mucous membrane - Any of the membranes that line those moist parts of the body in contact with air, such as the anus, mouth, nasal passages, and vagina. (3)
Mydriatic - Dilates the pupil of the eye. (1)
Myeloma - A tumor composed of the blood-producing cells in the bone marrow. (3)
Myoma - A benign growth composed of muscle tissue. (3)
Narcotic - Causes drowsiness or stupor and relieves pain. (1)
Nervine - Restores the nerves; relaxes the nervous system. (1) Benefits the nervous system, nerve tonic, calms the nerves. (2)
Neuralgia - Pain resulting from irritation or inflammation of a nerve. (1) Severe, throbbing, or stabbing pain along the course of a nerve. (3)
Neuropathy - Damage to nerve tissue. (3)
Neurotransmitter - A substance that relays impulses from one nerve cell to another. (3)
Norepinephrine - A stimulant hormone produced in response to low blood pressure and physical stress. Also serves as a neurotransmitter. (See neurotransmitter.) (3)
Ointment - A blend of fats or oils that form a protective layer over the skin. (1)
Orchitis - Inflammation of the testes. (3)
Orifice - A term for a body opening and, in Oriental medicine, any of the sense organs in the head. (3)
Osteomyelitis - Inflammation of the bone. (3)
Osteoporosis - A thinning and weakening of the bones, caused by the loss of minerals from bone tissue. (3)
Oxytocic - Induces contractions of the uterus. (1)
Parasite - An organism that lives on or in, and obtains nourishment from, another organism. (3)
Parasiticide - Kills parasites. (1)
Parasympathetic nervous system - Part of the nervous system involved in vegetative functions, especially digestion. (1)
Pathogen - A disease-causing entity. (3)
Pectoral - Acts on the lungs. (1)
Peritoneum - The membrane lining the abdominal cavity. (3)
Pernicious anemia - Anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, marked by red blood cells that are very large. (3)
Pharyngitis - Inflammation of the pharynx, the upper portion of the digestive tube from the esophagus to the mouth and nasal cavities. (3)
Photosensitive - Heightened sensitivity to sunlight. (1)
Placebo - An inactive substance used in research to provide a basis for comparison with an active substance. (3)
Plaque - A deposit of undesired material on tissue, such as the buildup of plaque in arteries that leads to atherosclerosis. (3)
Plasmin - A substance that breaks up clots. (3)
Polycystic ovarian disease - A condition in which the ovaries contain many cysts, and high levels of male hormones are present. (3)
Poultice - Herbal preparation usually applied hot to affected area to alleviate pain and reduce swelling. (1) A soft mush prepared by wetting powders or other absorbent substances with oils or water. The mush is then placed in a cloth and applied to the skin. (3)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) - Term for a variety of symptoms that may be experienced a week or two before the start of menstruation, including acne, backache, breast tenderness, irritability, mood swings, and water retention. (3)
Progesterone - A female sex hormone that acts in concert with estrogen to control the menstrual cycle. (3)
Prolactin - A hormone that starts and maintains milk flow. (3)
Prolapse - The sinking or falling of an organ or other body part, especially at its orifice. (3)
Pulmonary - Pertaining to the lungs. (3)
Purgative - A very strong laxative . (1) An agent that empties the bowels by encouraging defecation. (3)
Purpura - Purple discoloration of the skin, caused by bleeding. (3)
Qi - Vital energy force in Chinese philosophy. (1)
Radiation therapy - The use of radiation to treat disease, especially when used to treat cancer. (3)
Randomized study - A study in which people are allocated at random (by chance alone) to receive one of several clinical interventions. One of these interventions is the standard of comparison or control. The control may be a standard practice, a placebo (“sugar pill”), or no intervention at all. (3)
Receptor site - A site on a cell that accepts a specific substance, such as an estrogen receptor site on a breast cell. (3)
Red blood cell - A cell that contains hemoglobin, a substance that carries oxygen through the bloodstream. (3)
Reflux - Upward flow of substances that should normally flow downward, such as stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. (3)
Remission - The reduction or reversal of symptoms in chronic disease, such as cancer or multiple sclerosis. (3)
Renal - Pertaining to the kidneys. (3)
Restenosis - Closure of arteries after angioplasty. (3)
Reye’s syndrome - A condition that can follow viral infection. It involves brain inflammation and fatty-tissue invasion of the internal organs. In children it can be caused by aspirin intake. (3)
Rhinovirus - A family of viruses that cause colds. (3)
Rubefacient - Stimulates blood flow to skin, causing reddening and warming. (1)
Sarcoma - A cancer of the connective tissue. (3)
Sedative - Reduces activity and nervous excitement Simple An herb used on its own. (1) Central nervous system depressant, calms and relaxes. (2) An agent that quiets nervous excitement. (3)
Serotonin - A hormone that influences a number of bodily functions, including digestion, respiration, and blood pressure maintenance. Also serves as a neurotransmitter. (See neurotransmitter.) (3)
Shingles - An infection with the herpes varicella-zoster virus, marked by painful blisters that follow the course of a nerve. (3)
Sign - An indication of disease that is not necessarily noticeable to the patient, but that is noticeable to the examiner. (3)
Sjögren’s syndrome - A condition in which the immune system attacks the body’s moisture-producing glands. It is marked by dryness of the eyes and mouth. (3)
Spasm - Involuntary contraction of one or more muscle groups. (3)
Spasmolytic - Relaxes muscles. (1)
Sperm motility - A sperm cell’s ability to move through the female reproductive tract. (3)
Spermatorrhea - Any condition involving the involuntary release of sperm. (3)
Steroids - Active chemicals, of animal and plant origin, with powerful hormonal actions. (1)
Stimulant - Increases rate of activity and nervous excitement. (1) Increases the action of the body or of a specific system or organ. (2)
Stomachic - Eases stomach pain or increases stomach activity. (1) Improves stomach function, increases appetite. (2)
Stomatitis - Inflammation of the mouth. (3)
Styptic - Stops bleeding when applied topically. (1)
Sympathetic nervous system - Part of the nervous system involved in maintaining arousal, alertness, and muscle tone. (1)
Symptom - An indication of disease that is noticeable to the patient. (3)
Systemic - Affecting the body as a whole rather than individual organs. (1)
Systolic pressure - The blood pressure exerted during heartbeats. (3)
T cell - Any of a group of immune-system cells. Helper T cells coordinate the immune response against infectious microbes and cancerous cells, enabling the body to defend itself, while suppressor T cells suppress the immune response, preventing the immune system from attacking the body itself. (3)
Tachycardia - Excessively rapid heart rate. (3)
Tachyphylaxis - A condition without addiction but in which larger and larger doses of a drug or herb must be taken to get the same effect. (3)
Tea - An infusion made by simmering plant material in water. (3)
Terpenes - Molecules that form the base of most constituents of volatile oils. (1)
Testosterone - The main male hormone, important to proper sexual function, fertility, and the development of such secondary sex characteristics as facial hair. (3)
Therapeutic range - Range from lowest effective dosage to greatest nontoxic dosage of an herb or medication. (3)
Thrush - An infection by the fungus Candida albicans of the mouth and throat, as shown by white spots on the tongue and insides of the cheeks. (3)
Tincture - Plant medicine prepared by macerating herb in water and alcohol. (1) An alcohol solution prepared from herbal materials. (3)
Tinnitus - A ringing or roaring in the ear in the absence of any actual sound. (3)
Tonic - Exerts a restorative or nourishing action on the body. (1) Strengthens and tones organs and systems. (2) An agent designed to restore enfeebled function and to promote vigor and a sense of well-being. (3)
Tonify - Strengthens and restores body systems. (1)
Tonifying - Promoting vigor in an organ system. (3)
Topical - Application of herbal remedy to body surface. (1) Pertaining to the surface of the body. (3)
Toxin - A poison that impairs bodily health; in Oriental medicine, pathogenic energy. (3)
Trigeminal - Pertaining to the nerves that enable facial sensation and movement. (3)
Triglycerides - The primary form in which fat is both found in food and stored in the body. (3)
Type 1 diabetes - A form of diabetes in which the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet its needs. It used to be called insulin-dependent or juvenile-onset diabetes. (3)
Type 2 diabetes - A form of diabetes in which the body produces enough insulin, or sometimes too much, but cannot use that insulin properly (insulin resistance). It used to be called non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes. (3)
Ulcer - A lesion on the skin or a mucous membrane. (3)
Uveitis - Inflammation of the uveal tract, the vascular system of the eye. (3)
Vascular - Pertaining to the blood vessels. (3)
Vasoconstrictor - Contracts and narrows blood vessels. (1)
Vasodilator - Relaxes and widens blood vessels. (1)
Vein - A blood vessel that carries blood away from the body’s tissues and toward the heart. (3)
Vermifuge - Expels intestinal worms. (1) (2)
Vertigo - Faintness, dizziness, or inability to maintain one’s balance. (3)
Viral load - Measurement of the total number of viruses in circulation. (3)
Virus - Any of a group of tiny disease-causing entities with very simple structures. They cannot reproduce on their own, and so must take over cells within the host organism to do so. (3)
Vitiligo - Appearance of nonpigmented patches on otherwise normal skin. (3)
Volatile oil - Plant constituent distilled to produce essential oil. (1) Easily evaporated taste- and aroma-imparting compounds found in plants. (3)
Vulnerary - Heals wounds. (1)(2)
White blood cell - An immune-system cell that destroys invading organisms along with infected or damaged cells. Also known as a leukocyte. (3)
Yeast - Any of a group of single-celled fungi. Some yeasts, such as Candida albicans, can cause infection. (3)
Yin and yang - Complementary opposites in Chinese philosophy. (1)

(1) - Chevallier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. New York: DK Publishing, 2016.
(2) - Stein, Diane. Healing Herbs: A to Z. Berkley: Crossing Press. 2009.
(3) – Balch, Phyllis. Prescription for Herbal Healing, 2nd Edition. London: Penguin Books, LTD. 2012.

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Glossary - Medical