Glossary
Alchemy: A medieval science concerned with making gold, finding the ‘elixir of life’ and producing life from the non-living.
Alkaloid: Compound containing nitrogen such as codeine, morphine, quinine, nicotine
Allergen: Any substance that causes an allergy, examples are: pollen, cat hair, peanuts
Alphacarotene: A photosynthetic pigment which protects plant cells from ultraviolet light
Alterative: A substance that acts gradually to nourish and improve the system
Amino acid: A building block of protein, most (of 20) of which are made by the body but 9 are not
Anaesthetic: An agent that deadens sensation
Anthocyanin: Pigment that inhibits bacteria and is anti-inflammatory
Antibiotic: A substance that destroys or stunts the growth of micro-organisms
Antifungal: A substance that destroys or stunts the growth of fungi
Anti-inflammatory: An agent that lessens or prevents inflammation
Antimicrobial: A substance that destroys or stunts the growth of micro-organisms
Antioxidant: Oxidisation inhibitors that contain compounds that prevent diseases and protect from free radicals. Examples are: iron, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, Vitamins A,C,E, bioflavonoids and others
Antispasmodic: Works on spasms or cramps
Antiviral: A substance that destroys or stunts the growth of viral micro-organisms
Aromatic: Having a strong (and often pleasant) oil based aroma
Astringent: Contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions
Bacteriacide: Agent that destroy bacteria
Betacarotene: One of a group of red, orange and yellow pigments, called carotenoids
Carminative: Helps to expel gas from the intestines
Carotenoids: Red and yellow pigments found in many plants that are antioxidant and neutralise free radicals
Chlorophyll: A green pigment, the critical agent in plant photosynthesis.
Complementary / alternative: ‘Accepted’ alternatives and non-accepted alternative treatments (by orthodox Western medicine)
Contra-indication: a condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment
Coumarins: A group of plant-derived polyphenolic compounds
Curbicin: A fruit extract used as a natural remedy for benign prostate hyperplasia
Detoxifying: The process of removing toxins from the body
Diaphoretic: Promoting perspiration
Diuretic: Increasing secretion and expulsion of urine
Dramamine: A pharmacuetical drug for travel sickness
Enzyme: Proteins that help to improve biological processes
Ethylene: A colourless, flammable gas found in bananas, often used in agriculture to force-ripen fruit
Flavonoid: Natural healing compound in fresh fruit and vegetables
Folate: Compound or mixture of compounds derived from Folic acid
Free radicals: Highly reactive unstable atoms or molecules produced by the body as part of its immune system defense
Gaia Hypothesis: Theory by James Lovelock which sees the earth as a living system
Glucosinolates: Bitter, sulphur containing glycoside found especially in cruciferous vegetables
Glutathione: An anti-oxidant that helps the brain and liver and takes out free-radicals. Also used for skin whitening.
Glyconutrient: Soluble fibre in essential plant sugars
Glycoprotein: A key molecule in immune response that consists of a carbohydrate plus a protein
Glycoside: A molecule in which a sugar is usually bound to a small organic molecule
Histamine: A chemical found in most body tissues that forms part of their defense mechanisms
Homeostasis: The property of a system that regulates its internal environment
Hypnotic: A class of psychoactive whose primary function is to induce sleep
Hypotensive: Causing a reduction in blood pressure
Iron: Needed for haemaglobin production to carry oxygen round the body
Kirlian photography: Photographs allegedly showing the human aura or energy body
Laxative: Promoting evacuation of the bowels
Lipids: A group of naturally occurring molecules whose functions in the body include storing energy, signalling and acting as structural components of cell membranes
Lycopene: A red carotenoid pigment
Meridian system: The energy body interface as described in Chinese medicine
Mutagens: Substances that cause genetic mutation
Mycorrhizal: Fungus based life form
Neutraceutical: A combination of the words ‘nutrition’ and ‘pharmaceutical’
Organochlorines: Synthetic organic chlorines that accumulate in body tissue
Palliative: Relieving pain or alleviating a problem without dealing with the cause
Parabens: A synthetic additive in cosmetic creams and sprays
Pathogen: A micro-organism that causes disease in its host
Pectin: A soluble gelatinous substance in ripe fruits used for setting jams and jellies
PH: A measurement scale of acidity and alkalinity
Pharmacopoeia: A stock of natural medicinal drugs
Phenols: Compounds linked to benzene
Photosensitiser: A substance that sensitises an organism, cell or tissue to light
Phytochemical: Compound in plants that may effect human health
Phytonutrient: Nutrients derived from plants that have been shown to be necessary for sustaining human health
Polyphenol: A plant derived chemical that may protect against health problems and delay aging effects
Polysaccharide: Any of a class of carbohydrates formed by repeating units linked together
Potassium: Alkali-metal chemical element vital for brain and muscles
Proanthocyanidins: A larger, more complex class of polyphenols
Probiotics: Live micro-organisms that may confer a health benefit on the host
Psychoactive: A chemical substance that acts primarily on the central nervous system
Psychotropic: A chemical affecting mental activity, behaviour, emotion or perception
Quantum: Relating to a philosophy based in an energy dimension
Quercitin: A flavonoid found in vegetables, fruits, leaves and grains
Reductionism: Describing complex phenomena in terms of its fundamental constituents
Saponin: A glycoside with a distinctive foaming characteristic
Sedative: Producing calm or inducing sleep
Selenium: A chemical element with semi-conducting properties
Serotonin: A blood compound that constricts the vessels and acts as a neurotransmitter
Stimulant: Increases physiological or nervous activity in the body
Styptic: Causing bleeding to stop
Thiamine: Vitamin B1, found in unrefined cereals, beans and liver
Tonic: An agent that strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism
Vaccine: Substance that is given to stimulate the body’s immunity system
Vasodilatory: Dilation of blood vessels causing falling blood pressure
Vermifuge: Causing the expulsion of intestinal worms