Glossary

Acidosis:

a condition in which the pH of the body’s fluids becomes excessively acidic, which occurs when the body’s intake and production of acid residue exceeds its ability to adequately eliminate it

Anabolic agent:

stimulates muscular growth by promoting the metabolic transformation of nutrients into building blocks of muscles through molecular synthesis

Antifatigue:

affects endocrine system and hormone function as well as nervous system and nerve function due to its ability to prevent and/or relieve fatigue

Antihyperglycaemic:

affects endocrine and hormone function due to its ability to reduce or control high blood sugar, which is predominantly the responsibility of the pancreas.

Anti-hypertensive:

affects both the endocrine system and the nervous system due to its ability to prevent and/or treat high blood pressure

Anti-inflammatory:

affects the immune system and reactivity due to its ability to counteract inflammation

Antioxidants:

are phytochemicals that render free radicals harmless and stop the chain reaction formation of new free radicals; and may play a significant role in reversing many of the effects of ageing and disease

Anti-spasmodic:

affects nervous system and nerve function due to is ability to prevent or relieve spasms of muscles

Atherosclerosis:

a process in which fatty substances (cholesterol and triglycerides) are deposited in the walls of arteries, causing lack of elasticity in the artery walls due to thickening and calcification

Assimilation:

the incorporation of food into living tissue

Cancer:

a complex disturbance of cells in our body, which mutate and then begin an uncontrollable proliferation

Cancerolytic:

a substance that fights and kills cancer cells

Candida albicans:

a yeast, common in the intestinal tract which can produce chronic overgrowth and adversely affect many bodily functions

Carcinogen:

cancer-producing substance or agent

Cardioprotective:

a substance that protects heart muscles

Cardiotonic:

has a toning and strengthening affect on the heart

Cardiovascular:

pertaining to the heart and blood vessels

Circulatory:

pertaining to the heart, blood vessels, and the circulation of blood

Chronic:

a physiological or pathological condition which is prolonged, lingering, recurrent, and which becomes more disabling with time, as opposed to an acute condition which is usually severe but of short duration

Co-enzyme Q10:

(also known as ubiquinone) provides enzyme action to promote energy in the heart and cells, has the ability to fight free radicals, and helps preserve the antioxidant vitamin E

Coenzyme:

a necessary non-protein component of an enzyme; usually a vitamin or mineral

Colic:

spasm of any tubular or hollow organ with associated pain

Colitis:

inflammation of all or part of the colon

Colon:

that part of the large intestine or smaller bowel, extending from the caecum to the rectum. It is comprised of ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid segments

Decoction:

a herb tea made by boiling (simmering) 1 cup boiling water and 2-3 teasp. fresh cut herb (or 1 teasp. dried) for 3-5 minutes

Depuration:

clears and purifies the system, particularly the blood

Diet:

the food and drink a person regularly eats on a daily basis. A specific diet may have a specific requirement eg. gluten free, low cholesterol, low kilojoules

Digestion:

the process by which food is changed chemically in the gastric system so that its nutrients may be utilised by the body

Diverticulitis:

an acute condition marked by inflammation and/or infection of diverticula on the walls of the colon

Enzyme:

a complex organic substance capable of speeding up biochemical processes in the body

Expectorant:

affects immune system and reactivity due to its ability to facilitate the removal of the secretions of the bronchopulmonary mucous membrane, and cause expulsion of mucous from the respiratory tract

Fibre:

intercellular structure of seeds and plants, which dilute carcinogens in the colon and speeds them through the digestive system, discouraging growth of harmful bacteria, while bolstering healthy ones

Flavonoids:

plant pigments that exert various physiological effects in the human body

Free radicals:

are cellular killers which cause havoc by damaging DNA, altering biochemical compounds, corroding cell membranes, destroying enzymes and cells outright

Haemopoietic:

blood forming, helps formation of blood cells

Heptoprotective:

protects liver and gall bladder

Hypoglycaemic:

blood sugar reducer

Infusion:

tea made with 2-3 teasp. of finely chopped fresh herb (or 1 teasp. dried) and 1 cup boiling water, stir for several seconds. Leave to steep (stand) 2-3 minutes before drinking

Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

a condition marked by abdominal pain, bloating, gas and tenderness along the colon and also alternating attacks of constipation and diarrhoea

Latrogenic:

a condition inadvertently caused by a doctor or his/her practices, or caused by the drugs prescribed

Life-force:

the energy that is able to create life. In seeds, the ability to sprout demonstrates ‘life-force’ within them

Lignin:

woody skeletal components of plant life. It is unaffected by digestion, does not absorb moisture, and passes through the intestinal tract unchanged

Lyrate:

lyre-shaped

Metabolic:

a general term to designate all chemical changes, which occur to substances within the body

Metabolism:

the physical processes and chemical reactions occurring within a living cell or organism, that are necessary for life, including, but not limited to the burning of fuel (kilojoules) to produce heat and energy

Mucilaginous:

the state of being moist, viscid, slimy, slippery of the nature of mucilage

Neuromuscular stimulant:

reinforces the bone structure and muscular tissues

Ovate:

egg shaped

Perennial:

a plant lasting more than one season or year, for an indefinite length of time

Phytoestrogens:

plant compounds that exert oestrogen-like effects

Pulses:

edible seeds of leguminous plants

Saponins:

are glycosides with a distinct foaming characteristic, found in many plants and seeds

SOD:

(Superoxide dismutase) an enzyme that is able to engulf and digest bacteria, protozoa, cell debris, and is important to the immune system

Thrombolytic:

a substance that acts as a blood clot buster

Trifoliate:

with the formation of three leaflets, like clover

Toxin:

a substance that increases the risk of pain, disease and cancer in the body

Vulnerary:

affects the immune system and reactivity due to its ability to heal and treat wounds