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| MEDICAL TERMS |
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Abortifacient - a substance that causes abortion. Adaptogen - an herb that maintains health by increasing the body's ability to adapt to stress. They generally work by strengthening the immune -, nervous -, or glandular system. Alterative - a substance that helps to restore normal body functions. Analgesic - a substance that relieves pain. Anesthetic - a substance that causes loss of sensation. Anodyne - a substance that helps to soothe pain. Antacid - a substance that neutralizes stomach acid. Anthelmintic - a substance that gets rid of parasites and intestinal worms. Antibacterial - a substance that inhibits the growth of bacteria. Antibiotic - a substance that destroys or inhibits the growth of micro-organisms. Anticoagulant - a substance that slows down - or prevents blood from clotting. Antidote - a substance that counteracts the effects of poison. Anti-emetic - a substance that allays vomiting and nausea. Anti-inflammatory - a substance that reduces inflammation. Antioxidant - a substance that prevents the deterioration - or break down of cells by oxidation. Antiperiodic - a substance that prevents the periodic recurrence of a disease, such as malaria. Antipyretic - a substance that tends to reduce - or prevent a fever. Antiseptic - a substance that inhibits or prevents infection. Antispasmodic - a substance that relieves muscular spasms and cramps. Aperient - a mild - and gentle acting laxative. Aphrodisiac - a substance that causes sexual excitement such as dobrudua. Aromatic - a pleasantly characteristic odor of a plant. Astringent - causes the contraction of tissues or stops discharges such as mucus. Bactericide - a substance that destroys bacteria. Bronchitis - inflammation and irritation of the lungs either caused by a viral infection or by airborne pollution such as cigarette smoke. Calmative - a substance that is calming and quieting. Carminative - a substance that prevents the formation of gas and causes the expulsion of existing gas from the stomach, intestines and bowels. For instance Ginger. Carthartic - a laxative - or purgative that causes the evacuation of the bowels. Cholagogue - a substance that promotes the discharge of bile from the system. Colic - a severe but not continuous pain in the bottom part of the stomach or bowels usually associated with cramping from gas. Colic is especially prevalent in babies. Example: Ginger. Cystitis - urinary tract infection. Phyllantus amarus and urinaria can be used to treat bladder infections. Decongestant - relieves and breaks up congestion especially in the sinuses. Demulcent - a liquid taken internally which helps to soothe inflamed surfaces of the stomach and intestinal linings. Digestive - a substance which aids digestion such as Ginger. Diuretic - a substance which causes an increase in the production of urine. Emetic - a substance which causes vomiting. Emmenagogue - a substance that helps to promote menstruation. Emollient - a substance which helps to soften the skin. Expectorant - loosens and expels phlegm from the mucous membranes of the bronchial and nasal passages. Febrifuge - a substance which reduces fever. Flatulence - gas in the stomach and bowels. Fungicide - a substance that destroys fungi. Gastritis - an illness in which the stomach walls become swollen and painful. Gastroenteritis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. Germicidal - a substance that destroys germs. Hallucinogen - a substance that produces hallucinations such as marijuana. Haemostatic - any substance used to stem internal bleeding. Indigestion - pain caused in the region of the stomach by the stomach not correctly breaking down food so that it can be used by the body. Influenza - a severe cold with headache, weakness, tiredness, fever and cough. Insecticidal - a substance that destroys insects. Insomnia - inability to sleep, over a period of time. Laxative - taken to relieve constipation, a mild purgative. Migraine - serve headache often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light. Narcotic - a substance that relieves pain and may cause the user to fall sleep or go into a coma with excess use and are addictive with excessive use. Nervine - causes the central nervous system to relax temporarily, helps alleviate nervous tension. Example: Passion flower. Parasiticides - any substance that kills parasites such as Quassia. Pharmacognosy - natural products such as herbs that are used for medicinal purposes. Purgative - a substance which acts as a strong laxative. Used in cases of severe constipation. Rubefacients - used externally, causes redness of the skin, rubefacients aid in healing by stimulating blood flow to the skin. Examples: Cayenne pepper and Ginger. Silalagogue - a substance that causes one to salivate. Soporific - a substance that tends to induce sleep. Stimulant - a substance which makes the mind or body feel more active. Stomachic - a medicine that strengthens the stomach and excites its action, stimulates ones appetite, relieves indigestion. Tonic - a substance that invigorates or strengthens the system. Vermifuge - a medicine that destroys intestinal worms and helps to expel them. |
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