Note:
“A” to “Z” Therapeutic Properties & Flower Remedies
Generated on 9/18/2008
Updated on 2/18/2009
Updated on 2/22/23
As all of you know I am done working on my Master Herbalist degree and moving on to my Doctor of Naturopath (ND). As I'm working along it seem to me that I was always looking up words to understand this foreign language, lol, so I decide to bring this to you, now all of us can understand together.
Click on the hyper-link below to find what you are looking for (to move around this growing document or just scroll).
If you find a word that is not in this document please email the word to me at melody@melodyanns.com I will be happy to add it.
P
– Pack – Folded, moistened, often medicated pad of cotton or cloth applied to the body or inserted into a cavity.
– Pain Relief – A natural pain reliever used in the body.
– Palisade cell – Chloroplast-containing cell just below the surface of a leaf.
– Palliative – Medicine that relieves symptoms but does not cure disease.
– Palmate – With three or more leaflets, nerves, or lobes radiating from a central point.
– Palpitation – Medicine that relieves symptoms but does not cure disease.
– Panacea – A cure all.
– Pandemic – Epidemic disease that spreads to different countries over a large region.
– Panicle – Loose, diversely branching flower clusters.
– Pap test – Microscopic examination of cells collected from the vagina and cervix to test for signs of cancer.
– Pappus – The calyx in a composite flower having feathery hairs, scales, or bristles.
– Papule – Small, superficial bump or spot on the skin, often part of rash.
– Parahormone – Chemical control agent that can be synthesized by more than one cell type.
– Parasite – An organism that lives on or in another organism and obtains nourishment from it. An organism that lives in or on another living organism while contributing nothing to its host's welfare, often causing irritation or interfering with function.
– Parasiticide – A substance that kills parasites. Prevents and destroys parasites such as fleas and lice.
– Parathyroid hormone (PTH) – Hormone that promotes vitamin D synthesis and elevates blood calcium.
– Parenchyma – Soft tissue forming the chief substance of leaves and roots, fruit pulp, and the center of stems.
– Paroxysm – Sudden violent spasm or convulsion; abrupt worsening of a symptom.
– Parturient – Stimulates uterine contractions which induce and assist labor. Aiding in childbirth. A substances that induces labor.
– Parturition – Labor, giving birth.
– Passive immunity – Short-term resistance to a disease from the injection of another's antibodies.
– Pathogen – A toxin or small organism that can cause disease. Any agent, particularly a microorganism that causes disease.
– Pathogenesis – The process by which a disease originates and develops, particularly the cellular and physiologic processes.
– Pathogenic – Causing or producing disease.
– Pectin – A white, colloidal carbohydrate, found in certain ripe fruits, that has thickening properties.
– Pectoral – Healing to problems in the broncho-pulmonary area.
– Pedicel – Stalk of a single flower, fruit, or leaf.
– Peduncle – Stalk supporting flower or flower cluster of an angiosperm or bearing the fruiting body of a fungus.
– Pepsin – Stomach enzyme that degrades proteins.
– Peptic – Applied to gastric secretions and areas affected by them.
– Peptic ulcer – Breach in lining of the digestive tract due to excess acid, occurring in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum.
– Peptide – A substance composed two or more amino acids.
– Perennial – Plant that lives more than two years, especially a herbaceous plant that produces flowers from the same root structure several years in a row.
– Perfoliate – A leaf that appears to be perforated by the stem.
– Perfusion – Passage of fluid through tissue, especially blood through the lungs.
– Perimenopause – The period before menopause – possibly starting as much as ten years before – during which women may experience uncomfortable symptoms because of fluctuating hormones.
– Peripheral resistance – Opposition to flow of blood in vessels.
– Peristalsis – The rhythmic contractions of muscles of the digestive tract that move matter into the stomach, through the intestines, and ultimately, out of the body. Successive contractions of tubular wall.
– Peristaltic – Herbs which increase peristalsis.
– Peristalsis – The progressive wave of contraction and relaxation of a tubular muscular system, esp. the alimentary canal, by which the contents are forced through the system.
– Pessary – A vaginal suppository. Vaginal appliance or medicated suppository.
– PET scan – Positron emission tomography scan. A method by which brain sections can be reconstructed using radioactive isotope, cerebral blood flow, blood volume, oxygen uptake, glucose transport, glucose metabolism can be identified.
– Petal – One of the circle of flower parts inside the sepals.
– Petiole – The stalk of a leaf.
– Petrolatum – A semisolid mixture of hydrocarbons, such as Vaseline.
– pH – Potential of hydrogen. A scale used to measure the relative acidity or alkalinity of substances. The scale runs from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral; numbers below 7 denote increasing acidity and numbers above 7 denote increasing alkalinity.
– Phagocytosis – Ingestion and digestion of bacteria and particles by phagocytes.
– Pharmaceutical – A drug or medication manufactured and sold by a pharmacy.
– Pharmacokinetic trail – A trial that studies how the drug is absorbed by the body. People in one of these trials often have blood tests every few minutes or hours.
– Pharmacology – Medical science of drugs, which deals with their actions, properties, and characteristics.
– Pharmacopoeia – An official publication of drugs, in common use in a given country.
– Pharmacy – Preparation and dispensing of drugs; place where this is done.
– Pharyngeal – Pertaining to the pharynx (musculomenbranous sac behind the mouth).
– Pharyngitis – Sore throat.
– Phase I study – The first step in human testing of a drug. Designed to evaluate toxicity at different dose levels and takes place with a small number of participants.
– Phase II study – FDA drug-testing phase for effectiveness in humans. The stage at which drug effectiveness is established. Proceeds only if Phase I studies show toxicity to be within acceptable levels. Usually involves 50 to 300 volunteers.
– Phase III study – FDA drug-testing phase for extensive clinical trials in humans. Expansion of phase II study to 300 to 3,000 volunteers. Designed to back up information gathered in Phase I and II testing.
– Phenethylamine – is an alkaloid and monoamine. (Return to PPA)
– Phenol – Natural or synthetic aromatic compound containing a hydroxide (–OH) ring.
– Phenylketonuria (PKU) – An inherited disorder caused by a lack of an enzyme necessary to convert the amino acid phenylalanine into another amino acid, tyrosine, so that excesses can be eliminated from the body. A buildup of excess phenylalanine in the blood can lead to neurological disturbances and mental retardation.
– Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) – Is a drug ingredient of the Phenethylamine family used as a decongestant in prescription and nonprescription (over the counter cough and cold, and sinus remedies, and some combination allergy medications. And also as an appetite suppressant. In veterinary medicine, it is used to control urinary incontinence in dogs.
In the United States, PPA is no longer sold without a prescription due to a somewhat increased risk of stroke in people. Except this can be found in over the counter products; in Europe it is either only available by prescription or completely withdrawn from the market. In Canada this drug ingredient was withdrawn from the market on May 31, 2001
– Pheromone – Behavior- or development-mediating chemical that transmits information between individuals of the same species.
– Phlebitis – Inflammation of a vein wall, especially in legs as a complication of varicose veins, causing extreme tenderness.
– Phlegm – See sputum.
– Phosphaturia – The presence of phosphates in the urine.
– Phospholipid – Lipid compound containing a water-soluble phosphate group.
– Phosphorylation – The process of adding phosphate molecular groups to a compound.
– Photosynthesis – Production of organic substances from carbon dioxide and water in green-plant cells, which chemically transform the energy of sunlight. (Return to Chloroplast).
– Physiological – Describes the natural biological process is of a living organism.
– Phytochemical – Any one of many substances present in fruits and vegetable (phyto means “plant” in Greek). There are hundreds of phytochemicals, and more are being identified every day. Some appear to help protect the body against illness, including such serious diseases as cancer and heart disease.
– Phthisis – (1) Any disease characterized by emaciation and weakness; (2) Pulmonary tuberculosis.
– Phytoestrogen – Sometimes called “dietary estrogens”, are a diverse group of naturally occurring non steroidal plat compounds that, because of their structural similarity with estradiol, have the ability to cause estrogenic or/and antiestrogenic effects. A plant compound that exerts estrogen-like effects. (Return to Isoflavone)
– Phytohormone – A plant substance that mimics the action of human hormones.
– Phytotherapy – The treatment of disease by plants; herbal medicine.
– Piles – See Hemorrhoids.
– Pill – Small ball or tablet of medicine to be swallowed whole; oral contraceptive.
– Pine (Flower Remedies) – For feelings of guilt and self—reproachfulness. The feeling that one should do (has done) better. Good for those who blame themselves for the mistakes of others.
– Pinnate – A leaf composed of more than three leaflets arranged in two rows along a common stalk.
– Pituitary – A gland located at the base of the brain that secretes a number of different hormones. Pituitary hormones regulate growth and metabolism by coordinating the actions of other endocrine glands.
– Pituitary gland – A pea-sized structure that secretes many important hormones, located behind the hypothalamus.
– Pityriasis – A skin condition characterized by the presence of fine scales.
– Placebo – (Latin: “I will satisfy.”) A medicine or preparation with no inherent pharmacologic activity.
– Placenta – A flattened circular organ in the uterus of pregnant eutherian mammals, nourishing and maintaining the fetus through the umbilical cord. BOTANY (in flowers) part of the ovary wall to which the ovules are attached.
– Plaque – An unwanted deposit of a certain substance on tissues, often with the potential to cause some type of health problem. The buildup of plaque in the arteries is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease; plaque deposits on the teeth can lead to gum disease; Alzheimer's disease is associated with the accumulation of characteristic plaques in brain tissue. Sticky, colorless mixture of saliva, bacteria, and carbohydrates on the surface of teeth that causes tartar and caries.
– Plasma – Fluid portion of blood and lymph.
– Plethora – Over fullness of blood vessels or of the total quantity of any fluid in the body.
– Pleurisy – Inflammation of the pleura that cover the lungs, usually due to pneumonia or other lung disease, causing painful breathing.
– Pneumoconiosis – Is an occupational lung disease caused by the inhalation of dust. See Black lung and CWP.
– Pneumonia – Inflammation or infection of the lungs in which sacs fill with pus, causing coughing and chest pain.
– Pneumonitis – Inflammation of the lungs.
– Pneumothorax – Collapsed lung.
– Pod – Vessel enclosing one or more seeds.
– Poliomyelitis – Infectious viral disease of the central nervous system, formerly epidemic, causing stiffness and paralysis of muscles, especially respiratory system muscles.
– Pollen – Fine, dustlike grains containing male sexual cells, produced in anthers or seed plants.
– Polyarthritis – Inflammation of several joints at the same time.
– Polymer – Natural or synthetic macromolecules formed by the repetition of an identical small molecule.
– Polymerase – An enzyme that forms long-chain polymers from simple molecular components; DNA polymerase, for example, forms DNA strands from nucleosides.
– Polyp – Benign growth on mucous membranes especially in the nose, ear, or stomach.
– Polypeptide – Protein, polymer of amino acid subunits.
– Polyphenols – The division of polyphenols into tannins, lignins, and flavonoids is derived from the variety of simple polyphenolic units derived from secondary plant metabolism of the shikimate pathway as well as classical divisions based upon the relative importance of each base component to different fields of study. (Return to Tannins)
– Polysaccharide – Are relatively complex carbohydrates. They are polymers made up of many monosaccharides joined together by glycosidic bonds. They are therefore very large, often branched, macromolecules. They tend to be amorphous, insoluble in water, and have no sweet taste. A molecule composed of many sugar molecules linked together. (Return to Heparin)
– Pomade – A prepared perfume material obtained by the enfleurage process.
– Portal – Concerning entrance to an organ, especially that through which blood is carried to liver.
– Poultice – The therapeutic application of a soft moist mass (such as fresh herbs) to the skin, to encourage local circulation and to relieve pain.
– PPM – Parts per million.
– Precancerous lesion – Abnormal tissue that is not malignant, but that may be in the process of becoming so.
– Prednisone – Synthetic steroid, administered orally, used to treat leukemia and Hodgkin's disease.
– Press – Device for drying and flattening botanical specimens.
– Probiotics – Elements that encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in the body.
– Progesterone – Hormone that prepares the uterus to receive and develop a fertilized egg.
– Prognosis – A forecast as to the likely course and / or outcome of a disorder or condition. Assessment of the future course and outcome of a patient's disease.
– Prolapse – A falling down of a part.
– Prolapsus ani – A condition in which the lower part of the intestinal tract extrudes through the external anal sphincter.
– Prolapsus uteri – Downward displacement of the uterus.
– Prophylactic – Preventive of disease or infection.
– Prophylactics – Herbs which prevent the taking or development of disease.
– Proptosis – Forward displacement of an organ, especially the eyeball.
– Prostaglandin – Any of a number of hormone like chemicals that are made in the body from essential fatty acids and that have important effects on target organs. They influence the secretion of hormones and enzymes, and are important in regulating the inflammatory response, blood pressure, and blood—clotting time.
– Prostatitis – Inflammation of the prostate gland due to bacterial infection, sometimes causing urinary obstruction.
– Prostration – Total exhaustion.
– Protease – Protein-splitting enzyme.
– Protection (Health Food) – Food safety refers to the conditions and practices that preserve the quality of food to prevent contamination and food-borne illnesses.
– Protectives – Herbs which protect a part when applied to it.
– Protein – Any of many complex nitrogen—based organic compounds made up of different combinations of amino acids. Proteins are basic elements of all animal and vegetable tissues. Biological substances such as hormones and enzymes also are composed of protein. The body makes the specific proteins it needs for growth, repair, and other functions from amino acids that are either extracted from dietary protein or manufactured from other amino acids.
– Proteinuria – Presence of protein in the urine above normal limits.
– Proteolytic enzymes – Enzymes that break down dietary proteins, yet do not attack the proteins that make up the normal cells of the body. Proteolytic enzymes may have value in fighting cancer and other diseases. Cancer cells have a type of protein coating; theoretically, if this coating is destroyed by Proteolytic enzymes, the white blood cells would be able to attack the cancer cells and destroy them.
– Protocol – The outline or plan for use of an experimental procedure or experimental treatment.
– Prurigo – A chronic skin condition characterized by severe itching and the presence of small, deep—seated skin elevations, especially about the knees and elbows.
– Pruritus – Itching. Often severe itching.
– Psoriases – A chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by reddish patches covered with white scales. It may affect the knees, elbows, or scalp.
– Psoriasis – Condition characterized by chronic, itchy, scaly, silvery patches of skin, especially on elbows, forearms, knees, and scalp, of unknown cause but sometime due to anxiety.
– Psychomotor – Relating to disorders of muscular activity affected by cerebral disturbances.
– Pterygia – Containing or causing the production of pus.
– Pterygium – Opaque triangular thickening of tissue extending from inner canthus to border or cornea with apex toward pupil.
– Ptyalagogues –Sialagogues.
– Puerpural – Period following childbirth.
– Pulmonary – Pertaining to the lungs.
– Pulmonary embolism – Obstruction by a blood clot in an artery that conveys blood from heart to lungs.
– Pulmonic – In human speech, pulmonic sounds are those sounds created by the lungs. Pulmonic sounds may be either regressive (created by exhaling) or ingressive (created by inhaling).
– Purgative – Causes watery evacuation of intestinal contents. Laxative or cathartic medication.
– Purgatives – Herbs which produce copious discharges from the bowels. Tending to cleanse or purge, especially causing evacuation of the bowels. A purgative agent or medicine; a cathartic. (See Laxatives)
– Purpura – Skin rash due to bleeding into the skin from defective capillaries or blood platelet deficiency.
– Purulent – Characterized by the presence or formation of pus. Containing or causing the production of pus.
– Pustule – Small, pus-containing blister.
– Putrefaction – Decay of organic matter. Decomposition of organic matter, especially protein, by microorganisms, resulting in production of foul-smelling matter.
– Putrescence – Foul smell caused by decomposition of tissue.
– Pyelitis – Inflammation of the pelvis of the kidney and its calices.
– Pyemia – The presence of fever—producing microorganisms circulating in the blood, accompanied by abscesses which form wherever they lodge. (q.v.): which see.
– Pyorrhea – Periodontal disease.
– Pyrexia – See fever.
– Pyrosis – See heartburn.
—References— “Advanced Treatise in Herbology” by – Edward E. Shook, N.D., D.C. Copyright by Wendell W. Whitman 302 E. Winona Avenue, Warsaw, IN 46580.
—References— Business Dictionary.com http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/anaerobic.html
—References— “Dicitionary.com” http://www.dictionary.com
—References— “From the Shepherd's Purse” by – Max G. Barlow, Copyright 1990, ISBN 0-9602812-0-7.
—References— Medicine Net.com http://www.medterms.com
—References— Medical Herbalism The Science and practice of herbal medicine by David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG, Copyright 2003, ISBN – 0-89281-749-6
—References— “Nutritional Herbology” by – Mark Pedersen, Copyright 2008, ISBN – 10: 1-885653-07-7; ISBN – 13: 978-1-885653-07-9
—References— Planetary Herbology by – Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., Copyright 1988, ISBN – 0-941524-27-2
—References— “Prescription for Nutrition Healing” by – Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, Copyright 2006, ISBN: 1-58333-236-7.
—References— “The Ultimate Healing System – The Illustrated Guide to Muscle Testing & Nutrition” by – Donald Lepore, N.D.
Copyright 1985, ISBN: 0-94717-11560-7.
—References— WebMD http://www.webmd.com/default.htm
—References— Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia.com http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
—References— A Modern Herbal – https://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/comindx.html
—References— Henriette's Herbal Home – https://www.henriettes-herb.com/faqs/index.html
—References—
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