Glossary

 

 

Acetaldehyde: This toxic substance is a metabolic product of alcohol—in other words, as alcohol is broken down in the liver, acetaldehyde is produced. It’s also found in cigarette smoke.

Acetylcholine: A neurotransmitter of the central and peripheral nervous system.

Adaptogen: An agent that through hormonal response increases the body’s resistance to stress and aids adaptation.

Alcohol dehydrogenase: A liver enzyme that helps convert alcohol into acetaldehyde.

Alterative: An agent that alters your condition by increasing blood flow to tissues, detoxifying and restoring body functions, aiding assimilation, stimulating metabolism, and/or promoting waste and excretion.

Analgesic: An agent that relieves pain.

Anaphrodisiac: An agent that curbs sex drive.

Anesthetic: An agent that deadens sensation.

Anodyne: A strong pain reliever that lessens nerve excitability at nerve centers.

Anticatarrhal: An agent that reduces mucus.

Antiemetic: An agent that counteracts nausea and vomiting.

Antioxidant: An agent that prevents damage from free radicals—unpaired molecules that we’re exposed to through environmental pollutants.

Antispasmodic: An agent that eases muscles, cramps, and psychological stress; pushes out wind; and calms energy.

Antitussive: An agent that relieves coughing.

Aphrodisiac: An agent that increases sexual desire and potency.

Aromatic: An agent that’s fragrant, pungent, and often stimulating to the digestive tract; it can improve the flavor of bitter herbs.

Bitters: An agent that stimulates the flow of digestive, pituitary, liver, and duodenum secretions; clears heat; and aids digestion.

Cardiotonic: An agent that benefits the heart.

Catecholamines: Amines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine that have sympathomimetic activity concerned with nerve transmission, vascular tone, and other metabolic activities.

Chi: Vital energy, life force. Found in all living organisms, chi is invisible, formless, tasteless, and odorless. It’s extracted from food and air, then circulated throughout the body’s meridians.

Cholagogue: An agent that promotes bile flow from the liver and aids the breakdown of fats.

Choleretic: An agent that prevents excessive bile production.

Delirium tremens: Tremors, psychomotor agitation, confusion, sleep disorders—all symptoms associated with withdrawal from alcohol and some drugs.

Demulcent: An agent that soothes irritated tissue of the throat as well as the gastrointestinal system. This effect is usually due to the plant’s content of mucilage, a soothing, slippery substance that lubricates and heals.

Depressant: An agent that lessens nervous system activity.

Diaphoretic: An agent that promotes perspiration by relaxing pores and increasing elimination through the skin.

Diuretic: An agent that increases the secretion and expulsion of urine and excess fluids by promoting activity of the kidneys and bladder.

Dopamine: A crystalline amino acid that is a precursor to norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters.

Dosha: Literally “fault” or “mistake,” a Dosha is one of three forces said in Ayurvedic medicine to bind the elements into the body type of living flesh. There are three Doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Eicosanoids: Superhormones made by every living cell in the human body; prostaglandins are eicosanoids.

Emetic: An agent that induces vomiting.

Endorphins: Brain neurotransmitters that help provide pleasure, pain relief, loving feelings, and psychological calm. They’re the body’s natural opiates.

Enkephalin: A naturally occurring protein that has a morphinelike activity.

Euphoric: An agent that induces a sense of buoyancy and joyfulness.

Expectorant: An agent that promotes the discharge of mucus from respiratory passages.

Free radicals: Unpaired molecules that we’re exposed to through environmental pollutants; they can cause cellular damage.

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid): A brain neurotransmitter that aids in calmness and relaxation. The body’s natural sedative, GABA minimizes excitatory messages to the brain.

Hallucinogen: An agent that can induce hallucinations.

Hepato-: A prefix denoting action on the liver.

Hypnotic: An agent that induces deep nerve relaxation and a healing sleep state.

Hypotensive: An agent that lowers high blood pressure.

Kapha: A Dosha corresponding to the mind-body structure. Derived from water and earth, it’s considered the heaviest Dosha. Kapha makes the bones and muscles, cell walls, and basic body structure.

Laxative: An agent that stimulates bowel action.

Mucilaginous: Lubricating, soothing, and healing.

Mucolytic: An agent that breaks up mucus.

Narcotic: An agent that relieves pain and induces sleep. Narcotics sometimes produce visions and offer the potential for abuse.

Nervine: An agent that calms and nourishes the nerves.

Neuron: A nerve cell.

Neurotransmitters: Chemicals that transmit nerve messages across the brain’s synapses.

Norepinephrine: A neurotransmitter that creates drive, energy, and arousal; norepinephrine is considered the body’s natural stimulant.

Nutritive: An agent that supplies lots of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that help build and tone the body.

Opiate: A drug that includes or is derived from opium.

Opioid: An “opiate-like” drug—that is, a drug that has the same effect as an opiate, though not necessarily the same chemical structure.

Pitta: A Dosha associated with fire and heat. Pitta helps turn food into energy through digestion, and it metabolizes water and air.

Receptor site: A location in the nervous system where a neurotransmitter or drug binds.

Rejuvenative: An agent that renews body, mind, and spirit; it can slow the aging process, counteract stress, and increase endurance. Rejuvenatives are usually tonics.

Restorative: An agent that helps rebuild a depleted condition and restores normal body functions.

Sedative: An agent that slows body action and strongly quiets nerves.

Serotonin: A brain neurotransmitter that creates emotional stability, confidence, and pain tolerance. Serotonin also aids restful sleep, improves self-esteem, prevents cravings for sugar and alcohol, and helps prevent nighttime depression and worry.

Stimulant: An agent that quickens various body actions, improves energy and circulation, and warms the body. It’s helpful for cramps and coldness.

Synapse: A place where nerve impulses are transmitted from one neuron to another.

Thermogenic: An agent that improves metabolism by warming the body and improving circulation.

Tonic: An agent that promotes general health and well-being, improves any organ system, and builds energy, blood, and chi.

Vata: A Dosha that governs circulation and the digestive process. Derived from both air and space, it can be unpredictable and always in motion—like the wind.

Vulnerary: An agent that encourages wound healing by promoting cellular growth and repair. It’s applied to minor external wounds.