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MEDICAL TERMS
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Abortifacient - a substance that causes abortion. Adaptogen - an herb that maintains health by increasing the body's ability to adapt to stress. They generally work by strengthening the immune -, nervous -, or glandular system. Alterative - a substance that helps to restore normal body functions. Analgesic - a substance that relieves pain. Anesthetic - a substance that causes loss of sensation. Anodyne - a substance that helps to soothe pain. Antacid - a substance that neutralizes stomach acid. Anthelmintic - a substance that gets rid of parasites and intestinal worms. Antibacterial - a substance that inhibits the growth of bacteria. Antibiotic - a substance that destroys or inhibits the growth of micro-organisms. Anticoagulant - a substance that slows down - or prevents blood from clotting. Antidote - a substance that counteracts the effects of poison. Anti-emetic - a substance that allays vomiting and nausea. Anti-inflammatory - a substance that reduces inflammation. Antioxidant - a substance that prevents the deterioration - or break down of cells by oxidation. Antiperiodic - a substance that prevents the periodic recurrence of a disease, such as malaria. Antipyretic - a substance that tends to reduce - or prevent a fever. Antiseptic - a substance that inhibits or prevents infection. Antispasmodic - a substance that relieves muscular spasms and cramps. Aperient - a mild - and gentle acting laxative. Aphrodisiac - a substance that causes sexual excitement such as dobrudua. Aromatic - a pleasantly characteristic odor of a plant. Astringent - causes the contraction of tissues or stops discharges such as mucus. Bactericide - a substance that destroys bacteria. Bronchitis - inflammation and irritation of the lungs either caused by a viral infection or by airborne pollution such as cigarette smoke. Calmative - a substance that is calming and quieting. Carminative - a substance that prevents the formation of gas and causes the expulsion of existing gas from the stomach, intestines and bowels. For instance Ginger. Carthartic - a laxative - or purgative that causes the evacuation of the bowels. Cholagogue - a substance that promotes the discharge of bile from the system. Colic - a severe but not continuous pain in the bottom part of the stomach or bowels usually associated with cramping from gas. Colic is especially prevalent in babies. Example: Ginger. Cystitis - urinary tract infection. Phyllantus amarus and urinaria can be used to treat bladder infections. Decongestant - relieves and breaks up congestion especially in the sinuses. Demulcent - a liquid taken internally which helps to soothe inflamed surfaces of the stomach and intestinal linings. Digestive - a substance which aids digestion such as Ginger. Diuretic - a substance which causes an increase in the production of urine. Emetic - a substance which causes vomiting. Emmenagogue - a substance that helps to promote menstruation. Emollient - a substance which helps to soften the skin. Expectorant - loosens and expels phlegm from the mucous membranes of the bronchial and nasal passages. Febrifuge - a substance which reduces fever. Flatulence - gas in the stomach and bowels. Fungicide - a substance that destroys fungi. Gastritis - an illness in which the stomach walls become swollen and painful. Gastroenteritis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. Germicidal - a substance that destroys germs. Hallucinogen - a substance that produces hallucinations such as marijuana. Haemostatic - any substance used to stem internal bleeding. Indigestion - pain caused in the region of the stomach by the stomach not correctly breaking down food so that it can be used by the body. Influenza - a severe cold with headache, weakness, tiredness, fever and cough. Insecticidal - a substance that destroys insects. Insomnia - inability to sleep, over a period of time. Laxative - taken to relieve constipation, a mild purgative. Migraine - serve headache often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light. Narcotic - a substance that relieves pain and may cause the user to fall sleep or go into a coma with excess use and are addictive with excessive use. Nervine - causes the central nervous system to relax temporarily, helps alleviate nervous tension. Example: Passion flower. Parasiticides - any substance that kills parasites such as Quassia. Pharmacognosy - natural products such as herbs that are used for medicinal purposes. Pharmacology - is the study of how chemical substances interact with living systems. If substances have medicinal properties, they are considered pharmaceuticals. The field encompasses drug composition and properties, interactions, toxicology, therapy, and medical applications and antipathogenic capabilities. Purgative - a substance which acts as a strong laxative. Used in cases of severe constipation. Rubefacients - used externally, causes redness of the skin, rubefacients aid in healing by stimulating blood flow to the skin. Examples: Cayenne pepper and Ginger. Silalagogue - a substance that causes one to salivate. Soporific - a substance that tends to induce sleep. Stimulant - a substance which makes the mind or body feel more active. Stomachic - a medicine that strengthens the stomach and excites its action, stimulates ones appetite, relieves indigestion. Sublingual (SL) = "under the tongue"; the pharmacological route of administration by which drugs diffuse into the blood through tissues under the tongue. Tonic - a substance that invigorates or strengthens the system. Vermifuge - a medicine that destroys intestinal worms and helps to expel them. |
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