Term

Description

Accumulation

To build-up, amass, or gather together.

A compound or mixture that reduces pain by desensitizing the nervous system either locally or centrally. The subject is usually conscious and is still able to perceive their surroundings. Two major categories of analgesic compounds are narcotics and non-narcotics. Narcotics are used to relieve severe pains while non-narcotics are used to treat mild pains.

Compounds that inhibit the growth of fungi. Some compounds can actually destroy fungi.

A compound that is used to reduce inflammation and swelling.  Inflammation is the body's defense mechanism against injury, infection, and certain diseases.

An agent that destroys or inhibits the growth of microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, and parasites.

An agent that prevents or inhibits the growth of microorganisms in or on living tissue.

A compound that relieves or prevents involuntary muscle spasms or convulsions. It reduces the tensions in the body as well as psychological stresses.

An agent that is a cough suppressant. It prevents, relieves, and represses coughing.

A compound that has a binding action on tissue. Tannins are the most common and widespread astringents. They produce a surface coating on tissue that is short-lived and is metabolized rapidly. This coating alleviates allergic reactions on the skin.

To lose blood from the blood vessels. Bleeding can take place internally because of such reasons as organ damage, or externally through breaks in the skin.

To wound or injure from a blow or fall. Internal bleeding underneath the skin then produces an accumulation of blood.

Damage to the skin caused by fire. Burns vary in severity from first to third degree, based on the amount of damage done to the body by the fire. In burned tissue, fluid leaks from the blood vessels and causes swelling. Burns are very painful and usually end in scarring.

An agent that induces the body to expel gas from the stomach and intestines.

The green pigment found in plants that converts sun energy into chemical energy. It is an important anti-oxidant and strengthens the immune, circulatory, urinary, and respiratory organs. Chlorophyll's benefits include treating cancer, kidney stones, indigestion, and bad breath.

A steroid alcohol found in animal cells and body fluids that regulates membrane fluidity.

A spasm or convulsion of abdominal pain centered in a hollow organ. Colic is usually caused by obstruction or twisting.

The movement of blood through the body's blood vessels as it is pumped by the heart.

To purge away impurities by washing.

To rid the body of a toxin or poison. Detoxification is used to turn a harmful substance into a harmless one.

An agent that induces perspiration and therefore reduces fevers.

A mixture of water, enzymes, and hydrochloric acid that break down food in the stomach.

The process of dissolving food and making it absorbable by the body. Enzymes in the body break the food down into simpler compounds that can then be converted into energy.

Disorders that prevent normal food digestion and absorption.

A system of organs that breaks down food and absorbs the nutrients required for bodily functions. It starts from the mouth, and includes the stomach and guts.

An agent that gets rid of infections.

Agents that increase the rate of urine production by the kidneys. This increase helps the body rid itself of excess fluids. An excessive buildup of fluids in the body can lead to many organ disorders.

An agent that helps liquefy mucus and expel it from the respiratory tract.

A buildup of gasses in the stomach or digestive tract.

A process of restoring a sick body to health.

The inability to digest food.

An illness due to a weakened immune system that encounters an organism to which it has not built a resistance. Infections are mainly caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

The mechanism by which the body responds to injury. Inflammation begins the process of eliminating damaged tissue and harmful agents. It is characterized by redness, heat, and pain.

The liver detoxifies the body of all substances that the body does not need.

Lower back pain due to spinal disk damage.

The process of recalling what has been learned and retained from an organism's experiences or activities.

The processes within the body that generate energy through food digestion, nutrient absorption, waste removal, circulation and respiration. These processes can be of a physical or chemical nature.

Metals and other substance that our bodies need in very small amounts but that play a crucial role in metabolic processes.

To relieve or alleviate pain.

Any agent that increases functional activity for a short period of time. Stimulants can affect certain organs or the body as a whole.

Properties that increase bodily activities, both on the metabolic and motor function level.

An agent that can minimize or prevent bleeding.

Tending to contract or bind.

A remedy that strengthens the body and increases energy levels in the organism.

A poisonous bi-product of metabolic processes in a living organism. Toxins are very unstable and can damage tissue and interfere with antibody formation.

A process to reduce body weight. It can be mediated by physical activity, proper eating habits, and herbal remedies.

See Gas.

An injury to the body in which the skin, organs, or tissues are penetrated and damaged.