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Medical Terms Glossary
Abortifacient
Induces the premature expulsion (abortion) of a fetus. Same meaning as Ecbolic. For example, pennyroyal.
Adaptogenic
Helping the human organism adapt to stressful conditions.
Ague
An intermittent fever, sometimes with chills, as in malaria.
Alkaloid
A large, varied group of complex nitrogen-containing compounds, usually alkaline, that react with acids to form soluble salts, many of which have physiological effects on humans. Includes nicotine, cocaine, caffeine, etc.
Alterative
A medicinal substance that gradually restores health.
Amenorrhea
Absence or suppression of menstruation.
Analgesic
A pain-relieving medicine. Same as anaphrodisiac.
Anhydrotic
Stops sweating.
Anodyne
A pain-relieving medicine, milder than analgesic.
Antacid
Neutralizes the acid produced by the stomach. Do the self-test to see if excessive acid is the cause of indigestion.
Anthelmintic
An agent that destroys and expels worms from the intestines. Same as vermifuge.
Anti-aphrodisiac
Suppressing sexual desire.
Antibacterial
Destroys or stops the growth of bacteria.
Antibilious
An herb that combats biliousness. The term biliousness refers to a group of symptoms consisting of nausea, abdominal discomfort, headache, constipation, and gas that is caused by an excessive secretion of bile.
Antibiotic
An agent that inhibits the growth or multiplication of, or kills, a living organism; usually used in reference to bacteria or other microorganisms.
Anti-convulsant
Reducing or relieving convulsions or cramps.
Anti-emetic
Prevents or alleviates nausea and vomiting.
Anti-epileptic
An agent that combats the convulsions or seizures of epilepsy.
Antifungal
An agent that inhibits the growth or multiplication of fungi, or kills them outright.
Antigalactagogue
Prevents or decreases secretion of milk.
Antihistaminic
Neutralizing the effect or inhibiting production of histamine.
Anti-inflammatory
Reducing or neutralizing inflammation.
Anti-lithic
Aids in preventing the formation of stones in the kidneys and bladder.
Antimicrobial
An agent that inhibits the growth or multiplication of microorganisms, or kills them.
Anti-oxidant
Preventing oxidation; a preservative.
Antiparasitical
Destructive to parasites.
Anti-periodic
Prevents the periodic recurrence of attacks of a disease; as in malaria.
Antiphlogistic
An agent that counteracts inflammation.
Antipyretic
Reduces fever. Same as febrifuge or refrigerant.
Anti-rheumatic
An agent that relieves or cures rheumatism.
Antiscorbutic
An agent effective against scurvy.
Antiseptic
Preventing sepsis, decay, putrefaction; also, an agent that kills germs, microbes.
Antispasmodic
Preventing or relieving spasms or cramps.
Anti-syphilitic
Herbs that improve or cure syphilis. Also called antileutic.
Antitumor
Preventing or effective against tumors or cancers.
Antitussive
Preventing or relieving cough.
Antivenomous
Acts against poisonous matter from animals and snakes.
Antiviral
An agent that inhibits growth or multiplication of viruses, or kills them.
Antizymotic
Herbs that can destroy disease-producing organisms.
Aperient
Causes a gentle bowel movement.
Aphasia
Inability to express oneself properly through speech or loss of verbal comprehension; sensory and motor areas may be involved.
Aphrodisiac
Increasing or exciting sexual desire.
Apoplexy
The result of a stroke (cerbrovascular accident (CVA)).
Aromatic
Agents which emit a fragrant smell and produce a pungent taste. Used chiefly to make other medicines more palatable.
Ascaris
Roundworm (also called maw-worm and eelworm) found in the small intestine causing colicky pains and diarrhea, especially in children.
Ascites
Excessive accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity.
Asthenia
Lack or loss of strength, usually involving muscular system.
Astringent
An agent that causes tissue to contract.
Bactericidal
An agent that kills bacteria.
Balsam
The resin of a tree that is healing and soothing. Example: myrrh
Bitter tonic
Bitter-tasting properties which stimulate the flow of saliva and gastric juice. Used to increase the appetite and aid in the process of digestion.
Bolus
A suppository injected into the rectum or vagina.
Calmative
An agent with mild sedative or calming effects.
Cardioactive
Affecting the heart.
Carminative
An agent that relieves and removes gas from the digestive system.
Cataplasm
Another name for poultice.
Catarrh
An inflammation of the mucous membranes with a free discharge. This has special reference to the air passages of the head and throat. For example; hayfever, rhinitis, influenza, bronchitis, pharyngitis, asthma.
Cathartic
A powerful purgative or laxative, causing severe evacuation, with or without pain.
Cephalic
Referring to diseases affecting the head and upper part of the body.
Cholagogue
An agent that increases bile flow to the intestines.
Chorea
Nervous disorder marked by muscular twitching of arms, legs and face.
CNS
Central nervous system.
Condiment
Enhances the flavor of food.
Cordial
A stimulating medicine or drink.
Counterirritant
An agent that produces inflammation or irritation when applied locally to affect another, usually irritated surface to stimulate circulation. (Example: a mustard plaster or liniment).
Cystitis
Inflammation of the urinary bladder.
Cytotoxic
An agent that is toxic to certain organs, tissues, or cells.
Decoction
A preparation made by boiling a plant part in water. Compare with Infusion.
Demulcent
An agent that is locally soothing and softening.
Demulcent febrifuge
Reduces heat while building bodily fluids.
Deobstruent
Removes obstructions by opening natural passages or pores of the body.
Depurative
Tends to purify and cleanse the blood. Same as blood purifier.
Dermatomycoses
Skin infection caused by fungi.
Detergent
An agent that cleanses boils, sores, wounds, etc.
Detoxicant
Removes toxins.
Diaphoretic
An agent that induces sweating.
Digestant
Contains substances (i.e. ferments, acids) which aid in digestion.
Digestive
An agent that promotes digestion.
Discutient
An agent that dissolves or causes something, such as a tumor, to disappear. Also called discussive.
Diuretic
An agent that induces urination.
Drastic
A violent purgative.
Dropsy
Generalized edema (swelling).
Dyskinesia
Defect in voluntary movement.
Dyspnea
Sense of difficulty in breathing, often associated with lung or heart disease.
Ecbolic
See abortifacient.
Emetic
An agent that induces vomiting.
Emmenagogue
A substance that promotes or assists the flow of menstrual fluid.
Emollient
An agent that softens and soothes the skin when applied locally.
Enteritis
Inflammation of the small intestine.
Enterorrhagia
Hemorrhage from the intestine.
Enuresis
Involuntary urination.
Ephidrosis
Abnormal amount of sweating.
Epigastric
Upper middle region of the abdomen.
Eructation
Belching.
Erysipelis
An acute disease of skin and subcutaneous tissue with spreading inflammation and swelling.
Esculent
Edible or fit for eating.
Estrogenic
A substance that induces female hormonal activity.
Exanthematous
Refers to any eruptive disease or fever. An herbal remedy for skin eruptions such as measles, scarlet fever, etc.
Exophthalmic
Protrusion of the eyeball.
Expectorant
An agent that induces the removal (coughing up) of mucous secretions from the lungs.
Farinaceous
Of the nature of flour or meal. Starchy or containing starch.
Febrifuge
That which reduces fever. Same as antipyretic or refrigerant.
Fistula
Abnormal tubelike passage from a normal cavity or tube to a free surface or to another cavity.
Flux
Excessive flow or discharge. For example, in dysentery or excessive menstruation.
Fungicidal
An agent that kills fungi.
Galactagogue
Promotes secretion of milk.
Gastralgia
Pain in the stomach.
Gastroenteritis
Inflammation of the stomach and intestinal tract.
Gastroptosis
Condition in which the stomach occupies an abnormally low position in the abdomen.
Gleet
A urethral discharge, either of mucus or pus; commonly seen in the chronic form of gonorrheal urethritis.
Hemiplegia
Paralysis of one half of the body.
Hemostatic
An agent that checks bleeding.
Hepatic
An herb that promotes the well-being of the liver and increases the secretion of bile. For example; golden seal.
Herpatic
A remedy for skin eruptions, ringworm, etc.
Homeopathic
Relating to homeopathy, a system of medicine founded in the late 1700's by Samuel Hahnemann. The system is based on the principle that "like cures like". Practitioners believe that a substance that produces a set of symptoms in a well person will, in minute," potentized" doses, cure those same symptoms in a diseased individual.
Homeostasis
Equilibrium of internal environment.
Hydrogogue
Promotes watery evacuation of bowels.
Hydrophobia
Rabies.
Hyperchlorhydria
Excess of hydrochloric acid in gastric secretion.
Hypertensive
Causing or marking a rise in blood pressure.
Hypochondriac
Upper lateral region on each side of the body and below the thorax; beneath the ribs.
Hypnotic
Tends to produce sleep.
Hypoglycemic
Causing a deficiency of blood sugar.
Hypotensive
Causing or marking a lowering of blood pressure.
Immunostimulant
Stimulating various functions or activities of the immune system.
Infusion
A preparation made by soaking a plant part in hot water (or cold water, for a cold infusion); in essence, a "tea". Compare Decoction.
Intercostal: Between the ribs.
Laxative
A mild purgative. An herb that acts to promote evacuation of the bowels.
Leukorrhea
A whitish, viscid discharge from the vagina.
Lithotriptic
Causing the dissolution or destruction of stones in the bladder or kidneys.
Lung fever
A severe lung infection, as pneumonia.
Maturating
An agent that promotes the maturing or bringing to a head of boils, carbuncles, etc.
Menorrhagia
Excessive bleeding during menstruation.
Mitogenic
An agent that affects cell division.
Monoplegia
Paralysis of a single limb or a single group of muscles.
Mortification
Gangrene.
Moxa
A dried herb substance burned on or above the skin to stimulate an acupuncture point or serve as a counterirritant. A famous technique of Traditional Chinese Medicine, using dried, pressed leaves of Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris).
Mucilaginous
Pertaining to or resembling or containing mucilage: slimy. Herbs that have a soothing effect on inflamed mucous membranes.
Mydriatic
Dilates the pupil.
Narcotic
An addicting substance that reduces pain and produces sleep.
Nauseant
An herb that causes nausea and vomiting. Somewhat similar to an emetic.
Nervine
An agent that affects, strengthens, or calms the nerves.
Neurasthenia
Severe nerve weakness; nervous exhaustion.
Neurodermatitis
Inflammation of skin with itching that is associated with emotional disturbance.
Nutrient or Nutritive
Nourishing, increases weight and density.
Ophthalmic
Healing for disorders and diseases of the eye.
Ophthalmicum
A remedy for diseases of the eye.
Osteomyelitis
Inflammation of the bone, especially the marrow.
Oxyuris
Genus of nematode intestinal worms which includes pinworms (also called threadworm and seatworm).
Panacea
An agent good for what ails you, or what doesn't ail you. A "cure-all".
Parturient
A substance that induces and promotes labor.
Pectoral
Relieves disorders of the chest and lungs, as an expectorant.
Phagocytosis
Ingestion and digestion of bacteria and particles by phagocytes.
Plethora
Overfullness of blood vessels or of the total quantity of any fluid in the body.
Portal
Concerning entrance to an organ, especially that through which blood is carried to liver.
Poultice
A moist, usually warm or hot mass of plant material applied to the skin, or with cloth between the skin and plant material, to effect a medicinal action.
Prophylactic
Agent which wards off disease.
Pruritis
Severe itching.
Pterygium
Opaque triangular thickening of tissue extending from inner canthus to border or cornea with apex toward the pupil of the eye.
Puerperal
Period following childbirth.
Pungent
Irritating or shapely painful. Producing a sharp sensation of taste or smell.
Purgative
An agent that causes cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with griping (painful cramps).
Pyelitis
Inflammation of the pelvis of the kidney and its calices.
Quicksilver
An old term for mercury.
Quinsy
Peritonsillar abscess or tonsillitis.
Refrigerant
Relieves fever and thirst. A cooling remedy. Lowers body temperature.
Relaxant
Tends to relax and relieve tension, especially muscular tension.
Resolvent
Promotes the resolving and removing of abnormal growths, such as a tumor.
Rhinitis
Inflammation of nasal mucosa.
Rubefacient
An agent that causes reddening or irritation when applied to the skin.
Saponin
A glycoside compound in plants, which, when shaken with water, has a foaming or "soapy" action.
Scald head
Ringworm, or some similar affliction, of the scalp. May also refer to a disease of the hair follicles with formation of small yellow crusts and a very offensive odor; usually affects the scalp.
Scorbutic
Concerning or affected with scurvy.
Scrofula
Tuberculosis involving the lymph nodes of the neck, usually occurs in early life. Now very rarely seen.
Sedative
Calms the nerves, allays excitement, induces relaxation, and is conducive to sleep.
Sialagogue
Promotes the flow of saliva.
Sleeping disease
Sleeping sickness; commonly found in Africa. Also viral encephalitis in which lethargy is a prominent feature.
Soporific
Herbs that help to produce sleep.
Spasmolytic
Checking spasms or cramps.
Specific
A remedy having a curative effect on a particular disease or symptom.
Spermatorrhea
Abnormally frequent involuntary loss of semen without orgasm.
Spondylosis
Abnormal immobility and fixation of vertebral joints.
Stimulant
An agent that causes increased activity of another agent, cell, tissue, organ, or organism.
Stomachic
Substances which give strength and tone to the stomach. Also used to stimulate the appetite.
Strangury
A slow and painful passage of the urine due to spasm of the urethra and urinary bladder.
Styptic
Checking bleeding by contracting blood vessels.
Subcostal
Beneath the ribs.
Sudorific
Herbs that cause heavy perspiration.
Tetters
A once popular name for various eczematous skin diseases. May also refer to a skin disease of animals communicable to man with intense itching.
Tincture
A diluted alcohol solution of plant parts.
Tinea capitis
Fungal skin disease of the scalp.
Tisane
A term used frequently in Europe referring to popular herbal infusions, such as chamomile flowers, etc., which are commonly taken as a beverage or for mildly medicinal effects.
Teratogen
A substance that can cause the deformity of a fetus.
Tonic
An ambiguous term referring to a substance thought to have an overall positive medicinal effect of an unspecified nature (see adaptogenic).
Tuberculostatic
Arresting the tubercle bacillus (the germ responsible for causing tuberculosis).
Uterotonic
Having a positive effect on an unspecified nature of the uterus.
Vasoconstrictor
An agent that causes blood vessels to constrict, or narrow the caliber.
Vasodepressant
Lowers blood pressure by dilatation of blood vessels; having a depressing influence on circulation.
Vasodilator
An agent that causes blood vessels to relax and dilate.
Vermicidal
Having worm-killing properties; an agent that kills worms; a vermifuge. Also Vermicide.
Vermifuge
Having worm-killing properties; an agent that kills worms.
Vesicant
An agent that causes blistering, such as poison ivy.
Vulnerary
An agent or herb used for healing wounds, fresh cuts, etc., usually used as a poultice.
Whites
See leukorrhea.
Zymotic
Caused by or pertaining to any infectious or contagious disease.
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