Glossary

Amphoteric - balances and normalizes the function of the organ

Analgesic - relieves pain without the loss of consciousness

Antibacterial - natural substances derived from plants that interfere with the growth, proliferation, or life-cycle of bacteria

Anticancer - compounds that can induce cell death, inhibit cell proliferation, and inhibit cell cycle progression

Antifungal - combats fungal infections

Anti-Inflammatory - helps the body control inflammation through its natural processes rather than by suppression

Antimicrobial - interferes with the proliferation and life-cycle of microbes

Antinutrient - a naturally-occurring substance found in plant-derived foods that interferes with absorption or proper functioning of nutrients in the body; a substance (such as refined sugar or alcohol) that has little nutritive value and that typically depletes the body of more nutrients than it provides when metabolized. (Merriam-Webster)

Antioxidant - protects against oxidation and degradation from free radicals

Antirheumatic - prevents or reduces joint pain, swelling, and limited mobility

Antiseptic - disinfectant derived from natural sources

Antiviral - inhibits the virus' ability to attach to host cells or keeps it from replicating once it is inside the cell

Antispasmodic - reduces or relieves smooth muscle spasms

Astringent - dries, draws, and shrinks tissue, to create a barrier to reduce secretions or discharges

Bioavailable - (of a drug or other substance) entering the circulation when introduced into the body and so able to have an active effect. (Lexico)

Biosynthesis - the production of complex molecules within living organisms or cells. (Lexico)

Cardiotonic - systemic support for the heart and cardiovascular system

Decongestant - reduces congestion

Diaphoretic - induces sweating by increasing circulation and dilating blood vessels near the skin

Endogenously - proceeding from within; derived internally (Dictionary.com)

Excitotoxin - chemicals either added to food or found in food that cause an overstimulation of the nervous system which can cause the cells to be destroyed. These chemicals are found in almost all processed foods. (Dr. Joe Esposito Health Plus)

Expectorant - expels mucus from the upper respiratory tract

Fat Soluble - vitamins that are fat-soluble can dissolve in fat and are absorbed by the body with fats. They can also be stored in fatty tissue in the body. (National Cancer Institute)

Free Radicals - molecule or atom with unpaired electrons, making it reactive and unstable

Hepatoprotective - supports and protects the liver

Hypocalcemic Tetany - Spasms of the hands, feet, cramps, spasms of the voice box and overactive neurological reflexes caused by low calcium. (MedicineNet)

Immunotoxicity - refers to the adverse affects on the structure or functioning of the immune system, or on other systems as a result of immune system dysfunction, caused by exposure to any toxic substance. (Nature.com)

Neurotoxicity - refers to damage to the brain or peripheral nervous system caused by exposure to natural or man-made toxic substances. (News Medical Life Sciences)

Osteomalacia - a marked softening of the bones caused by severe vitamin D deficiency; it can lead to bowing during growth, especially of the weight-bearing bones of the legs; it can cause fractures in older adults. (Mayo Clinic)

Rickets - a disorder caused by lack of vitamin D, calcium or phosphorus that causes soft bones, stunted growth and skeletal deformities in children. (Healthline)

Sedative - reduces activity in the nervous system, decreasing nervous tension

Toxicity - the quality, state or relative degree of being poisonous. (Merriam-Webster)

Water-Soluble - vitamins that are water-soluble are carried through the body by water but are not stored in the body. (National Cancer Institute)