| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A Active ingredients: The ingredients contained in any formula that give the desired physiological effect ie. The components in a moisturising cream that improves the moisture content of the skin. Adrenal glands: two organs situated one upon the upper end of each kidney. Stresses of modern life can exhaust the glands. Acidophilus: A friendly bacteria found in the digestive system which combats the activities of invading micro-organisms associated with food poisoning and other infections. AcidoAlphaHydroxyl Ceramides: Extract from sunflowers. A lipid that strengthens the skin's capacity to retain moisture, thereby supporting and sustaining skin's youthful smoothness and softness. Acupuncture: A traditional Chinese treatment for relieving ills of the body by inserting needles into meridians. Acute: A short sharp crisis of rapid onset. Adaptogen: A substance that helps the body to "adapt" to a new stress or strain by stimulating the body's own defensive mechanism. Aetiology: a term denoting the cause or origin of a specific disease. Agar-agar: gelling agent made from seaweed. Algae: a seaweed Alginate: Gelatinous substance obtained from seaweed and used as an emulsifier and thickening agent. Alkalis: Substances with a pH above 7. Often used as neutralisers in cosmetics and toiletries. Alkaloids: basic organic substances, usually vegetable in origin and having an alkaline reaction. Like alkalis they combine with acids to form salts. Some are toxic, insoluble in water. Aloe Vera Extract: Effective healing agent and rich emollient. Used to counteract wrinkles, it is soothing and moisturizing. Alteratives: Medicines that alter the process of nutrition, restoring in some unknown way the normal functions of an organ or system. Allergy: Hypersensitivity to a foreign protein which produces a violent reaction eg. Hayfever, asthma, irritable bowel. Allopathy: Conventional medicine. Amenorrhoea: Suppression or normal menstrual flow during the time of life when it should occur. Amino acids: Group of compounds containing both the carboxyl and the amino groups. They are the building blocks of proteins and are essential for the maintenance of the body. Amphoteric: A normaliser "improve apparently contradictory symptoms". Analgesics, pain relievers, anodynes: Herbs taken orally for relief of mild pain Anaphrodisiac: a herb that reduces excess sexual desire. Antacids: Remedies that correct effects of stomach acid and relieve indigestion. Antigens: substances, usually harmful, that when entering the body stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies. Antibacterial: Any agent or process that inhibits the growth and reproduction of bacteria Antibody: a substance prepared in the body for the purpose of withstanding infection by viruses, bacteria and other organisms. Anti-catarrhals: agents that reduce the production of mucus. Antifungals: herbs that destroy fungi as in the treatment of thrush, candida etc. Antihistamines: agents that arrest production of histamine and which are useful in allergic conditions. Annato: a natural colourant derived from the seeds of a tropical tree. Anthelmintics: Anti parasite. Anthoposophical medicine: Holistic medicine based on the work of Dr Rudolf Steiner. Antilithics: agents used for elimination or dissolution of stone or gravel in bladder or kidney problems. Anti-neoplastics: herbs that prevent formation or destroy tumour cells Anti-pruritics: agents to relieve intense itching. Anti-spasmodics: agents for relief of muscular cramps, spasm or mild pain. Anti-tussives: herbs that reduce cough severity, ease expectoration and clear the lungs. Antioxidants: Substances that prevent the formation of free radicals which cause the oxidative deterioration that causes rancidity in oils or fats and also premature ageing. Natural sources include vitamins A, C and E. Aperient: laxative Aqueous coating:a natural water and vegetable cellulose coating which can be used as a coating to enhance tablet disintegration and dissolution. Ascorbic acid: The chemical name for vitamin c. Astringents: Products that cause a tightening and contractions of the skin tissues, generally used to tone skin and close pores. Can also arrest heavy bleeding. Avocado Oil: Has excellent penetrating qualities, softens and regenerates skin. This emollient is valued for its high lipid and Vitamin A, D and C components. Ayurveda Medicine: System of sacred medicine originating from Ancient India, dating from 1000 to 3000BC. B back to top Barrier cream: cream that provides a protective coating when applied to the skin eg. hands and face. Beeswax: A natural emulsifier and thickener. Beta Carotene: An abundant source of Vitamin A with rich anti-oxidant properties. It is necessary for tissue repair and maintenance and accelerates the formation of healthy new skin cells. Vitamin A deters excess dryness. Bisobolol: main active ingredient in chamomile which has excellent skin healing properties. Bitters: Stimulate the autonomic nervous system. Bitters increase appetite, assist assimilation. Botanical Extract: An extract of herbs and plants. The extracting solvent can be water, oil, alcohol or any synthetic solvent such as propylene glycol. Bronchodilators: herbs that expand the clear space within the bronchial tubes, opening up airways and relieving obstruction. C back to top Candida albicans: A yeast that causes thrush and in more severe cases, symptoms can affect the whole body. Capricin: A caprylic acid formulation that facilitates absorption of calcium and magnesium. Caramel: Coloring agent derived from liquid corn syrup. Carcinogens: substances that bring about a malignant change in body cells. Carmine: Natural red pigment obtained from cochineal. Carminatives: Anti-flatulents, aromatic herbs used to expel gas from the stomach and intestines. Castor Oil: A superb conditioner that has been proven to strengthen the hair shaft. Catabolism: An aspect of metabolism which is concerned with the breaking down of complex substances to simpler ones, with the release of energy. Cetyl Alcohol: Derived from coconut and palm oils. This is not a drying alcohol. Used as an emollient and to protect skin from moisture loss. Chlorophyll: stored energy of the sun. Green colouring matter of plants. Cholagogues: A group of agents which increases the secretion of bile and its expulsion from the gall bladder. Choleretic: An agent which reduces cholesterol levels by excreting cholesterol. Citric Acid: Derived from citrus fruit . A natural preservative that helps to adjust the pH of cosmetic products. Clay: Deep-cleansing and highly absorbent. Bentonite and green clay are two types of natural clay. Compresses: External applications to soften tissue, allay inflammation or alleviate pain. Contra-indicated: not indicated, against medical advice, unsuitable for use. Cornstarch: Used as a safe base for our eye shadows, blushers and loose powders. Coumarins: Powerful anti-coagulant plant chemicals. Used to prevent blood clotting. Counter-irritant: An agent which produces vaso-dilation of peripheral blood vessels by stimulating nerve-endings of the skin to generate irritation intended to relieve deep-seated pain. Cramp: Sustained contraction of a muscle. D back to top Decoction: A preparation obtained by bringing to the boil and simmering dense herbal materials ie. Bark, root and woody parts for a plant to extract active constituents. Decongestant: Herb which is used to loosen mucus within bronchi and lungs. Demulcent: Anti-irritant. A herb rich in mucilage that is soothing, bland, offering protection to inflamed or irritable mucous surfaces. Depurative: Blood purifier. Alterative. Detoxifiers: Plant medicines that aid removal of a poison or poisonous effect, reducing toxic properties. Diaphoretics: Herbs that induce increased perspiration. Diuretics: Agents that increase the flow of urine from the kidneys and so excrete excess fluid from the body. Douche: A term used to describe the cleansing of certain parts of the body eg. Washing wounds and ulcers, eye douches etc. E back to top Eliminative: A herb to disperse and promote excretion from the body. Emetic: A herb to induce vomiting. Given to expel poisons. Emmenagogues: Plant substances which initiate and promote the menstrual flow. Emollient: Any substance that prevents water loss from the skin. Most natural oils perform this function. Emulsifier: A substance that holds oil in water or water in oil. They are necessary in the manufacture of cream and lotions. Emulsion: A mixture of two incompatible substances. Most creams on the cosmetic market are emulsions. Enzyme: A biological catalyst that acts to speed up chemical reactions. Digestive enzymes are necessary for the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates and fats ie.pepsin. Enuresis: Bed wetting. Essential Fatty Acids: A fatty acid that must be supplied in the diet as the body cannot produce it itself. Expectorants: Herbs that increase bronchial mucous secretion by promoting liquefaction of sticky mucous and its expulsion from the body. F back to top Fatty Acid: A monobasic acid containing only the chemicals carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Found in vegetable and animal fats, they are important for maintaining a healthy skin and are excellent emollients. Febrifuge: Anti-fever Fixed Oil: A fixed oil is chemically the same as a fat, but is generally liquid ie. Almond oil, grapeseed oil. Flavanoids: natural chemicals that prevent the deposit of fatty material in blood vessels. Flaxseed Oil: Rich source of omega 3 essential fatty acids. (Also known as Linseed Oil) Fructose: A natural sugar found in honey and fruits Fumigant: a herb, usually a gum, which when burnt releases mixed gases into the atmosphere to cleanse against air borne infection eg. myrrh or frankincense. G back to top Galactagogue: herb to increase flow of breast milk in nursing mothers. Glycerin (vegetable): A humectant and emollient, it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby keeping moisture in your skin. Glycoside: an organic substance which may be broken into two parts, one of which is always sugar. Grain Alcohol: A natural solvent that evaporates easily. Green Tea Extract: Works towards lightening the skin by actively slowing the transport of melanin to the skin's surface. Has well known antioxidant qualities. Guar Gum: A fibre derived from the guar plant and used as a binder in tablet manufacturing. H back to top Haemostatics: agents that arrest bleeding. Hepatic: a herb that assists the liver in its function and promotes the flow of bile. Histamine: A chemical released via the body's immune system in response to allergens. Hypoallergenic: In the strictest sense means without fragrance, but more broadly refers to products that are unlikely to cause skin irritation. Hyaluronic Acid: Derived from yeast cells, it is extremely hydroscopic. Binds water in the interstitial spaces between skin cells, forming a gel-like substance which holds the cells together. Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil: Source of essential fatty acids. I back to top Infusion: The liquid resulting from making a herbal tea. Iron Oxides: Natural mineral derived colour pigments. J back to top K back to top Kaolin: Clay used to absorb oils. L back to top Laxative: agent used for persistant constipation to help expel faecal matter from the bowel. Lecithin: Natural antioxidant and emollient. High in essential fatty acids. A stabiliser and emulsifier from soya beans, corn, peanuts and egg-yolk. Cholesterol reducer. Lymph: a straw coloured fluid which circulates many tissues of the body and serves to lubricate and cleanse them. M back to top Magnesium Carbonate: Mineral derived from dolomite, it is used in our face powders to achieve the correct shade or tone. Mannitol: A natural sugar substitute derived from the manna plant and seaweed. Menorrhagia: abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding, more than normal flow and longer lasting. Menthol: Nature constituent of peppermint oil. Used for its antiseptic properties. Meridians: The energy channels which run through the body and are used in acupuncture, reflexology and other similar therapies. Metabolism: the reactions involved in the building up and decomposition of chemical substances in living organisms. Metrorrhagia: bleeding from the womb between periods. Mineral Salts: Used for colour pigments in our temporary hair colour. Mucilage: a slimy product formed by the addition of gum to water. Used internally and externally to soothe irritated and inflamed membranes and surfaces. Mucolytics: agents that disperse or dissolve mucus. | 
