C – Definitions of Ailments

C – Definitions of Ailments

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.

–   Cachexia – Weakness and emaciation caused by a serious disease. Weight loss, weakness, and debility associated with chronic disease.

–   Cac-, Caco- – A prefix indicating a diseased or deformed condition.

–   Calcinosis – Abnormal calcium salts in tissue.

–   Calcitonin – Peptide hormone secreted by the thyroid that reduces excess of calcium in the blood by depositing it in bone.

–   Calculi – A Stones, Generally refers to either kidney stones or gallstones.

–   Calculous – Tending to cleanse or purge, especially causing evacuation of the bowels.  A purgative agent or medicine; a cathartic.

–   Calculus – Pebblelike mass, such as gallstone or kidney stone, formed within the body; hard tartar layer formed on teeth by plaque.

–   Calefacients – Herbs used to lower the heart's action.

–   Callus – Hard thickening of an area of skin undergoing rubbing, on hands or feet; mass of tissue forming around fractured bone ends.

–   Calmative – Soothing, sedative action.

–   Calorie – A unit of heat.  A nutritional calorie is the amount of het necessary to raise 1 kg of water one degree C.

–   Calyx – The sepals or outer layer of floral leaves.

–   Cambium – Layer of formative cells beneath the bark of a tree.

–   Camphene – A terpene found in many essential oils including cypress oil and camphor oil.

–   Cancer – General term for more than 100 disease characterized by abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells.

–   Cancrum – Ulceration of the lip or mouth; canker.

–   Candida – Any of the yeast like fungi constituting the genus Candida, members of which may cause athlete's foot, Vaginitis, thrush, or other infections. (Return to Candida Albicans).

–   Candida albicans – A type of fungus normally present at some level in the body.  If it is present in overabundance, it causes yeast infection Known as Candida.

–   Candidiasis – Yeastlike fungus infection in the mouth and moist areas of the body; see also thrush.

–   Canker – See Cancrum.

–   Canthus – Is either corner of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet. (Return to Pterygium).

–   Capillaries – Tiny blood vessels (their walls are about one cell thick) that allow the exchange of nutrients and wastes between the bloodstream and the body's cells.

–   Capsule – A dry fruit, opening when ripe, composed of more than one carpel.

–   Carbohydrate – Any one of many organic substances, almost all of them of plant origin, that are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and serves as the major source of energy in the diet. Sugar and starches.

–   Carbuncle – Staphylococcus infection of the skin that causes boils with multiple drainage channels.

–   Carcinogen – An agent that is capable of inducing cancerous changes in cells and/or tissues.

–   Carcinogenesis – The development of cancer caused by the actions of certain chemicals, viruses, and unknown factors of primarily normal cells.

–   Carcinoma – Cancer in epithelium lining skin or internal organs.

–   Cardiac – Pertaining to the heart. Heart tonic or restorative.

–   Cardiac arrests – Abrupt cessation of heartbeat, causing loss of pulse, consciousness, and breathing.

–   Cardiac arrhythmia – An abnormal heart rate or rhythm. (Return to Arrhythmia).

–   Cardiac depressants – Herbs used to lower the heart's action.

–   Cardiac output – Volume of blood pumped by either ventricle per minute.

–   Cardiac remedy – An herbal remedy that has a beneficial action on the heart. Some of the remedies in this group are powerful cardioactive agents such as foxglove; others are gentler, safer herbs such as hawthorn and motherwort.

–   Cardiac stenosis – Abnormal narrowing of a heart valve.

–   Cardiac stimulants – Herbs used to increase the heart's action.

–   Cardiomyopathy – Chronic viral, congenital, or other disorder that affects Heart muscle and causes Heart failure, arrhythmias, or Embolism. (Return to Dilated cardiomyopathy; Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) Many cardiac disorders (including coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, viral infections, diabetes, kidney failure, and a variety of inflammatory diseases) can cause a weakness of the cardiac muscle, mostly affecting the ventricles. Weakening of the heart muscle is called cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy takes two basic forms: dilated cardiomyopathy, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy occurs when the ventricle (generally the left ventricle) becomes dilated, and the ventricular muscle weak and relatively flaccid. As a result, the pumping action of the ventricle becomes weak; the amount of blood pumped with each heart beat drops; and the body's organs do not receive their full quotient of blood.  Probably the best measure of the severity of a person's dilated cardiomyopathy is the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), a measure of the percentage of the left ventricle's volume that is ejected with each heart beat. Normally, the LVEF is greater than 50%. Patients generally experience a reduction in exercise capacity as the LVEF approaches 40%, and often experience symptoms at rest (weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath) when the LVEF is in the 20 – 30% range.

As dilated cardiomyopathy progresses, symptoms of shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, and leg swelling worsen. The propensity to develop life-threatening arrhythmias (ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation) also increases as the LVEF drops. The mainstay of therapy is drug treatment: digitalis, diuretics, ACE inhibitors and beta blockers are commonly used. For many patients, a new breed of pacemakers that synchronize and optimize ventricular contraction can improve both symptoms and survival various types of cardiac assist devices (essentially, implantable pumps) are also progressing rapidly. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is usually a genetic condition that tends to run in families. It is characterized by a thickening of the ventricular muscle that results in muscle “stiffness.” This stiffness can lead to episodes of extreme shortness of breath in some patients, especially during exercise. The thickening of the heart muscle can also cause an obstruction in the left ventricle similar to that seen with aortic stenosis. And some patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can develop ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, and some thus require insertion of an implantable defibrillator.

–   Cardiopulmonary – Pertaining to the heart and lungs.

–   Cardiotonic – A compound that tones and strengthens the heart.

–   Carditis – Inflammation of the heart.

–   Caries – Decay of bone tissue, especially tooth; cavity.

–    – Relieves intestinal gas, pain and distention; promotes peristalsis.

–   Carminatives – Herbs containing volatile oil, used to excite intestinal peristalsis and provoke an expulsion of flatus.  A substance that relieves gas and gripping (severe pain in the bowel). Plants rich in volatile oils that stimulate the digestive system to work properly and with ease, soothing the gut wall, reducing any inflammation, easing griping pains, and helping the removal of gas from the digestive tract. (Return to Stomachic) Is expelling gas from the stomach or intestines so as to relieve flatulence or abdominal pain or distension.

–   Carotene – A yellow to orange pigment that is converted into vitamin A in the body.  There are several different forms, including alpha-, beta-, and gamma—carotene. Fat-soluble plant pigments.

–   Carotenoids – A group of phytochemicals that act as and includes the carotenes as well as some other substances.

–   Cartilage – A type of connective tissue that acts as a shock absorber at joint interfaces.

–   Carpal tunnel syndrome – Compression of the median nerve entering the palm of the hand that causes pain and numbing in the middle and index finger.

–   Carron oil – A liniment consisting of equal parts of linseed oil and limewater.

–   Castor oil – Unpleasant-tasting, irritant laxative or cathartic.

–   CAT scan – Computerized axial tomography scan.  A computerized x—ray scanning procedure used to create a three-dimensional picture of the body, or part of the body, for the purpose of detecting abnormalities.

–   Catalyst – A chemical that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself being consumed.

–   Cataplasm – Another name for .

–   Cataract – Opacity of eye lens that causes blurred vision, especially in the elderly.

–   Catarrh – Pathology. Inflammation of a mucous membrane, esp. of the respiratory tract, accompanied by excessive secretions. Excessive secretion of thick phlegm or mucus by the mucous membrane of the nose. Excessive discharge or buildup of mucus in the nose or throat, associated with inflammation of the mucous membrane.

–   Catatonia – A state in which an individual becomes unresponsive; a stupor.

–   Catecholamine – The chemically similar Neurotransmitter dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

–   Cathartic – Strong laxative which causes rapid evacuation. A substance that stimulates the movement of the bowels, more powerful than a laxative.

–   Cathartics – Purgatives. A substance producing watery evacuations. Technically, a cathartic is similar to, but more powerful than a laxative.

–   Catheter – A device that allows drugs to be given on an ongoing basis.

–   Caustics – Herbs used to destroy living tissues. Capable of burning, corroding, dissolving, or eating away by chemical action.

–   Cauterization – A technique used to stop that involves applying electrical current, a laser beam, or a chemical such as silver nitrate directly to a broken blood vessel.

–   Ceiling – The maximum biological effect that can be induced in a tissue by a given drug, regardless of how large a dose is administered.

–  Celiac Disease – An immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Over time, the immune reaction to eating gluten creates inflammation that damages the small intestine's lining, leading to medical complications. It also prevents absorption of some nutrients (malabsorption). The classic symptom is diarrhea. Other symptoms include bloating, gas, fatigue, low blood count (anemia), and osteoporosis. Many people have no symptoms. The mainstay of treatment is a strict gluten-free diet that can help manage symptoms and promote intestinal healing.

–   Cell – A very small but complex organic unit consisting of a nucleus, cytoplasm, and a cell membrane.  All living tissues are composed of cells.

–   Cell-mediated immunity – Specific immune response mediated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

–   Cellulose – An indigestible carbohydrate found in the outer layers of fruits and vegetables.

–   Centaury (Flower Remedies) –Useful for those with a weakness of will and for those who let themselves be exploited or imposed upon by others.

–   Cephalalgia – See Headache. In medicine cephalalgia is called a headache; it is a symptom of a number of different conditions of the head and sometimes neck.  Some of the causes are benign while others are medical emergencies.  It ranks among the most common pain complaints. 

–   Cephalic – Remedy for disorders for head; referring or directed toward the head.

–   Cerebral – Pertaining to the largest part of the brain, the cerebrum.  

–    Cerebral hemorrhage – Bleeding from the cerebral artery into brain tissue.

–   Cerumen – Ear wax.

–   Cervicitis – (Return to Chlamydia). Inflammation of the tissues of the cervix is known as cervicitis.  Cervicitis in women has many features in common with urethritis in men and many of the causes are sexually transmitted.

–   Cessation – A temporary or complete stopping; discontinuance: a cessation of hostilities. (Return to Respiratory arrest)

–   Chancroid – A highly infectious sexually transmitted disease characterized by the presence of genical .

–   Chelating agent – An organic compound capable of binding metals.

–   Chelation – A Chemical process by which a larger molecule or group of molecules surrounds or encloses a mineral atom.

–   Chelation Therapy – The introduction of certain substances into the body so that they will chelate, and then remove, foreign substances such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and other heavy metals.  Chelation therapy can also be used to reduce or remove calcium—based plaque from the linings of the blood vessels, easing the flow of blood to vital organs and tissues.

–   Chemoreceptor – A molecular structure on the surface of a cell that is sensitive to chemical substances, such as epinephrine, released by nerve cells.

–   Chemotaxis – Movement or response of cells to chemicals.

–   Chemotherapy – Treatment of disease by the use of chemicals (such as drugs), especially the use of chemical treatments to combat cancer. Drug treatment of parasitic or neoplastic disease in which the drug has a selective effect on the invading cells or organisms.

–   Chemotype – The same botanical species occurring in other forms due to different conditions of growth, such as climate, soil, and altitude.

–   Cherry Plum (Flower Remedies) – For those with a fear of mental collapse and of doing something desperate.  Also for the uncontrolled temper.

–   Chestnut Bud (Flower Remedies) – For those who refuse to learn from experience, and constantly repeat the same mistakes.

–   Cheyne-Stokes respirations – Cyclical slowing of breathing to cessation, then speeding up to peak.

–   Chicory (Flower Remedies) – For those who are over – possessive and are constantly trying to put others right, usually demanding the attention of those close to them.  Full of self pity, martyrs.

–   Chilblain – Red, round, itchy swelling of skin on fingers or toes due to exposure to cold.

–   Chills – Chills are your body's way of raising its core temperature. Cold temperatures, viruses, infections and other illnesses can bring on chills. When you shiver, your muscles relax and contract. This involuntary movement warms your body.

–   Chinese (Earth Enhancing) – The Earth element, one of the TCM 5 elements, is associated with Spleen and its partner organ, Stomach which are in charge of digestion. Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, IBS is all related to the Earth element. Earth is also responsible for Dampness.

–   Chinese (Earth Reducing) – The Earth element, one of the TCM 5 elements, is associated with Spleen and its partner organ, Stomach which are in charge of digestion. Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, IBS is all related to the Earth element. Earth is also responsible for Dampness.

–   Chinese (Fire Enhancing) – Fire is the element of heat, summer and enthusiasm; nature at its peak of growth, and warmth in human relationships. Represented by the color red and a pointed, triangled shape, Fire's motion is upward, hence is associated with dynamic, energetic, passionate, enterprising energies. Relaxation practices like Yoga, meditation, Qigong or Tai Chi can be of great benefit. Of the four organs attributed to Fire element, the heart is the most important. Chest-opening yoga postures such as Cobra, Tree and Anahata pose are great for bringing light and nourishment to the heart space.

–   Chinese (Fire Reducing) –Fire is the element of heat, summer and enthusiasm; nature at its peak of growth, and warmth in human relationships. Represented by the color red and a pointed, triangled shape, Fire's motion is upward, hence is associated with dynamic, energetic, passionate, enterprising energies. Here some simple ideas you can use to keep the fire element in balance: Allocate at least a few minutes daily for solitude, silence, self-reflection and rest. Introduce some Yin Yoga sessions to your week. Keep hot and spicy foods under control. Eat nourishing foods and plenty of water.

–   Chinese internal attacking – The Inner Wind that is due to a Yin and Yang imbalance is called “Internal Wind that rises in the Liver” and is characterized by change and movement. It is not as strong as external Wind and attacks internal organs only when they are weak, resulting in symptoms of internal involvement.

–   Chinese (Metal Enhancing) – In Chinese Taoist thought, Metal attributes are considered to be firmness, rigidity, persistence, strength, and determination. The metal person is controlling, ambitious, forceful, and set in their ways as metal is very strong. They are self-reliant and prefer to handle their problems alone.

–   Chinese Wood elements – Wood is associated with the liver and gall bladder. The wood element also governs tendons/ligaments, hooves/nails, and eyes.

–   Chinese (Wood reducing) – Wood is associated with the liver and gall bladder. The wood element also governs tendons/ligaments, hooves/nails, and eyes.

–   Chiropractic – A system of healing based on the belief that many disorders result from misalignments (called subluxations) of the spinal vertebrae and other joints. Chiropractors primarily treat illness by using physical manipulation techniques to bring the body into proper alignment and thus restore normal health and functioning. Treatment method using manipulation of the muscular and skeletal systems, especially the spine.

–   Chlamydia – Sexual transmitted, viruslike microorganism causing conjunctivitis, urethritis, and cervicitis.

–   Chlorophyll – The pigment responsible for the green color of plant tissues.  It can be taken in supplement form as a source of magnesium and trace elements.  The “green” matter in plants; used in to absorb toxins and as a vulnerary.

–   Chloroplast – Membrane-bound organelle that is the site of photosynthesis.

–   Cholagogue – Promotes flow and discharge of bile into intestine. A compound that stimulates the contraction of the gallbladder.

–   Cholagogues – Herbs which provoke a flow of bile.  A substance that stimulates the release of bile from the gallbladder.

–   Cholecystitis – Inflammation of the gallbladder.

–   Cholecystokinetic – Agent that stimulates the contraction of the gallbladder.

–   Cholecystokinin (CCK) – A peptide hormone secreted by the small intestine.

–   Cholelithiasis – Presence of gallstones.

–   Cholera Infantum – Diarrhea in infants and young children.

–   Choleretic – Aids excretion of bile by the liver, so there is a greater flow of bile.

–   Cholestasis – The stagnation of bile within the liver. 

–   Cholesterol – A Crystalline substance that is soluble in fats and that is produced by all vertebrates.  It is a necessary constituent of cell membranes and facilitates the transport and absorption of fatty acids.  Excess cholesterol, however, is a potential threat to health. Steroid molecule that is a precursor of steroid hormones and bile salts, a component of plasma membranes, and present in fat and blood.

–   Choline – A quaternary ammonium cation, one of the B-Complex vitamins, found in the lecithin of many plants and animals. (Return to Lecithin)

–   Cholinergic – Pertaining to the parasympathetic portion of the autonomic nervous system and the release of acetylcholine as a transmitter substance.

–   Chorea – Involuntary muscular twitching of the extremities and face.  Chorea may follow an infection, or it may be a disease in itself. Nervous disorder marked by muscular twitching or arms, legs and face.

–   Chorionic – Referring to the chorion or membrane enclosing the fetus.

–   Chromatography – Separation of chemical compounds.

–   Chromosome – Any of the threadlike strands of DNA in the nuclei of all living cells that carry genetic information.  There are normally forty—six chromosomes (twenty—three pairs) in all human cells, with the exception of egg and sperm cells.

–   Chronic – Long term or frequently recurring.

–   Chronic chills – They're often a sign that your body feels too cold or is fighting off an illness. Many people feel chilled when they have a fever. Warming your body with more clothes and heat can ward off cold chills. If a sickness causes chills, see your healthcare provider.

–   Chronic fatigue syndrome – Persistent, extreme exhaustion and weakness due to unknown causes.

–   Chronic illness – A disorder that persists or recurs over an extended period, often for life.  Chronic illnesses can be as relatively benign as hay fever or as serious as multiple sclerosis. About Chronic Diseases. Chronic diseases are defined broadly as conditions that last 1 year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or both. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States.

–   Chronic viral – (Return to Cardiomyopathy). In medicine, a chronic disease is a disease that is long-lasting or recurrent.  The term chronic describes the course of the disease, or its rate of onset and development.  A chronic course is distinguished from a recurrent course; recurrent diseases relapse repeatedly, with periods of remission in between.  As an adjective, chronic can refer to a persistent and lasting medical condition. Chronicity is usually applied to a condition that lasts more than three months.

–   Chronotropic effect – An effect that changes the heart rate (i.e., the time between P-waves).

–   Chyme – Solution of partially digested food in the lumen of the stomach and intestines.

–   Cicatrisant – An agent that promotes healing by the formation of scar tissue.

–   Cicatrix – See scar. Are areas of fibrous tissue that replace normal skin (or other tissue) after injury.  A scar results from the biologic process of wound repair in the skin and other tissues of the body. Thus, scarring is a natural part of the healing process.  With the exception of very minor lesions, every wound results in some degree of scarring. (Return to Scab)

– Circulation (Blood stimulating) – Physiological changes caused by electrical stimulation include an increase in blood flow and an effect on the peripheral circulation.

–  – Poor circulation can be defined as an inadequacy of blood flow to a certain area of the body. The body's circulation system is responsible for sending blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body. So when blood flow to a specific part is reduced, you may experience the symptoms of poor circulation.

– Circulatory stimulant – The system that contains the heart and the blood vessels and moves blood throughout the body. This system helps tissues get enough oxygen and nutrients, and it helps them get rid of waste products. An agent that increases blood flow to and from tissues and organs. Circulatory stimulants are an important part of holistic treatment helping the body to rectify imbalances by bringing nutrients to an area and taking away toxins.

–    – Progressive liver condition from various causes.

–   Citric acid – An organic acid found in citrus fruits.  Often used to lower the pH of cosmetic products to bring them closer to the natural pH of the skin.

–   Claudication – Cramping pain from inadequate blood supply to muscle.

–   Clematis (Flower Remedies) – For the dreamy sort of person who doesn't pay much attention to what's going on around them.

–   Climacteric – Physical and emotional changes as sexual maturity gives way to cessation of reproductive function in females and testosterone decrease in male.

–   Clinical therapeutic index – An index of relative safety or relative effectiveness that cannot be defined explicitly and uniquely, although it is presumed that the same quantifiable and precise criteria of efficacy and safety will be used in comparing drugs of similar kinds.

–   Clinical trial – The systematic investigation of the effects of materials or methods, according to a formal study plan and generally in a human population with a particular disease or class of diseases.

–   Clot – Soft, thickened lump formed in liquid, especially blood.

–   Clotting factor – One of several substances, especially vitamin K, that are present in the bloodstream and are important in the process of blood clotting.

–   Club moss – Any of various small, non-seed-bearing vascular plants with conelike, spore-bearing structures on top of stems. (Return to Lycopod)

–   Clubbing – Thickening of tissue at the base of a fingernail or toenail, especially enlargement of a fingertip.

–   Clyster – Enema

–   CNS – Central nervous system.

–   Cocarcinogen – An agent that acts with another agent to cause cancer.

–   Coccus – Spherical bacterium.

–   Cod Liver Oil – Natural oils from cod fish which contain essential fatty acids and vitamins A and D.

–   Coenzyme – A molecule that works with an enzyme to enable to the enzyme to perform its function in the body.  Coenzymes are necessary in the utilization of vitamins and minerals. Nonprotein organic molecule that temporarily joins with an enzyme during reaction, is not consumed in reaction, and can be reused until degraded; cofactor.

–   Cold—pressed – A term used to describe food oils that are extracted without the use of heat in order to preserve nutrients and flavor. 

– Colds – A common viral infection in which the mucous membrane of the nose and throat becomes inflamed, typically causing running at the nose, sneezing, a sore throat, and other similar symptoms.

–   Cold sore – Small swelling or eruption of skin around lips that dries to leave a crusty patch; fever blister. (Return to Herpes).

–   Colic – Spasmodic abdominal pain due to any of the various causes. Sharp abdominal pains that result from spasm or obstruction of certain organs or structures, especially the intestines, uterus, or bile ducts. Pain due to contraction of the involuntary muscles of the abdominal organs.

–   Colitis – Any inflammation of the colon, causing diarrhea and lower abdominal pain.

–   Colitis, Mucous – Inflammation of the colon accompanied by excessive production of mucus.

–   Collagen – Extremely strong fibrous protein that functions as a structural element in connective tissue, tendons, and ligaments.

–   Collagen disease – A disease characterized by changes in the makeup of connective tissue: lupus, rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma.

–   Colloid – An extremely fine particle suspended in a surrounding medium.

–   Collyrium – Medicated solution used to bathe eyes.

–   Colons stimulant – Stimulant laxatives are a type of laxatives mainly used for treating constipation. They irritate the intestinal cells causing the intestine to contract, which is responsible for the laxative action. Stimulant laxatives also promote water influx to the intestine, which in turn promotes bowel movement.

–   Colonscope – A procedure in which a long flexible tube (a colonscope) is threaded up through the rectum for the purpose of examining the entire colon and rectum and, if there is an abnormality, taking a biopsy or removing it.  The procedure requires a thorough bowel cleansing.

–   Coma – Prolonged state of deep unconsciousness from which patient cannot be roused.

–   Comedo – Blackhead.

–   Comparison trial – A trial in which experimental drugs are tested against each other or against an approved drug.

–   Complement – Set of enzymes in the bloodstream that work with antibodies to attack foreign cells and bacteria.

–   Complete blood count (CBC) – Series of tests including cell counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and cell volume measurement.

–   Complete protein – A source of dietary protein that contains a full complement of the eight essential amino acids.

–   Compliance – The extent to which a patient agrees to and follows a prescribed treatment regimen.

–   Complication – A secondary infection, reaction, or other negative event that makes recovery from illness more difficult and/or longer.

–   Compress – Moistened pad of folded cloth, often medicated, applied with heart, cold, or pressure to soothe a body part.

–   Concrete – A concentrated, waxy, solid or semisolid perfume material prepared from previously live plant matter, usually using a hydrocarbon type of solvent.

–   Cone – Reproductive structure of certain nonflowering plants with overlapping scales or bracts containing pollen, ovules, or spores.

–   Congenital – Present from birth, but not necessarily inherited. (Return to Cardiomyopathy).

–    – Accumulation of blood within an organ; clogging of the upper respiratory system with mucus.

–   Congestive heart failure – Inability of the heart to adequately supply blood to body tissue, often due to weakening of cardiac muscle, causing body swelling and shortness of breath.

–   Conifer – Cone-bearing gymnosperm, usually with narrow, needlelike or small, scalelike leaves.

–   Conjunctivitis – Inflammation of mucous membrane covering front of eye, often with discharge of pus; pinkeye. (Return to Chlamydia).

–   Connective tissue – The type of tissue that performs the function of providing support, structure, and cellular cement to the body.

–   Constipation – Infrequent, difficult, often painful bowel movements with hard feces, irregularity.

–   Constipation (chronic) – Infrequent, difficult, often painful bowel movements with hard feces, irregularity. Chronic constipation is infrequent bowel movements or difficult passage of stools that persists for several weeks or longer. Constipation is generally described as having fewer than three bowel movements a week.

–   Constringents – Astringents.

–   Contagious – A disease that can be transferred from one person to another by direct contact.

–   Continuous infusion – Uninterrupted introduction of fluid other than blood into a vein.

–   Contraceptive – Tending to prevent conception, or a device, substance, or method used to prevent pregnancy.  Medication or device to prevent conception.

–   Contractility – Refers to the strength of heart muscle contraction.  This is controlled by the autonomic nervous system.  The sympathetic nervous system increases and the parasympathetic nervous system decreases the strength of a contraction.

–   Contracture – Fibrosis of connective tissue in skin, fascia, muscle, or joint that prevents normal mobility.

–   Controlled trail – Trail in which one group gets the experimental drug and another group gets either a placebo or an approved drug therapy.

–   Contusion – A bruise; an injury in which the skin is not broken. Surface injury in which skin is not broken; bruise.

–   Convulsants – Astringents.

–   Convulsion – A seizure characterized by intense, uncontrolled—label contraction of the voluntary muscles that result from abnormal cerebral stimulation. Involuntary muscle contraction that causes contorted movements of body and limbs.

–   Corm – Underground stem base that acts as a reproductive structure.

–   Corn – Area of hard or thickened skin on or between the toes.

–   Corolla – The petals of a flower considered as a whole.

–   Coronary – Of or pertaining to arteries of the heart.

–   Coronary heart disease – Serious condition affecting the coronary arteries.

–   Coronary insufficiency – The right and left coronary arteries supply blood to the heart.  Flow is considered insufficient if it cannot meet the needs of the heart.

–   Corpus luteum – The remains of the egg follicle after ovulation.

–   Cortical – Involving external layers of brain.

–   Corticosteroid drugs – A group of drugs similar to natural corticosteroid hormones that are used predominantly in the treatment of inflammation and to suppress the immune system.

–   Corticosteroid hormones – A group of hormones produced by the adrenal glands that control the boy's use of nutrients and the excretion of salts and water in the urine.

–   Cortisol – A steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex that regulates organic metabolism by converting fats and proteins to glucose.

–   Corymb – Flat-topped or convex cluster of flowers in which the outer flowers open first.

–   Coryza – Catarrhal inflammation of the nose. The nasal symptoms of the common cold.

–   Correctives – Herbs used to correct or render more pleasant the action of other remedies, especially purgatives.

–   Corrigents – Correctives.

–   Cortisol – Biochemistry. One of several steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex and resembling cortisone in its action.  Pharmacology. Hydrocortisone. (Return to Adrenal gland)

–   Cotyledon – First or second leaf of a seedling. (Return to Monocotyledon)

–   Cough – Violent exhalation of irritant particles or congestive mucus from the respiratory system; tussis.

–   Counterirritant – External application of an irritating substance to relieve pain in another more deep-seated part or to speed healing from increased circulation of the area. An application to the skin that relieves deep-seated pain, usually applied in the form of heat; see also Rubefacient)

–   Crab Apple (Flower Remedies) – For those who feel unclean or ashamed of their ailments.  A cleanser for those feelings of self disgust and condemnation.

–   Cradle cap – A type of seborrheic dermatitis found on infants, usually appearing on the scalp, face, and head, and consisting of thick, yellowish, crusted lesions.  Scaling or fissuring often appears behind the ears and on the face.

–   Cramp or Cramps – Prolonged painful contraction or spasm of muscle. Muscle cramp: An involuntarily and forcibly contracted muscle that does not relax

–   Creatinine – A protein found in muscles and blood and excreted by the kidneys in the urine. The level of creatinine in the blood and urine provides a measure of kidney function.

–   Crepitation – Soft crackling sound heard in the lungs through a stethoscope; rale. (Return to Rale).

–   Crepitus – Crackling sound made by grating of bone on bone or on cartilage, especially in an arthritic joint.

–   Cretinism – A condition originating in the fetal state or in early infancy due to severe thyroid deficiency, resulting in severely retarded mental and physical development.

–   CRH – Corticotropin-releasing hormone.

–   Crick – Painful muscle spasm or cramp in neck or upper back.

–   Crossover experiment – Each subject receives the test preparation at least once, and every test preparation is administered to every subject.  At successive experimental sessions each preparation is “crossed over” from one subject to another.

–   Cruciferous – Literally, “cross—shaped.” A term used to refer to a group of vegetables – including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, turnips, and rutabagas – that have characteristic cross—shaped blossoms and that contain substances that may help to prevent colon cancer.

–   Cushing's disease – Syndrome due to excess corticosteroid hormone, causing weight gain, excess body hair, and high blood pressure.

–   Cutaneous – Pertaining to the skin.

–   Cuticle – Waxy layer on the outer surface of plants.

–   CWP – See Pneumoconiosis and Black lung.

–   Cyanosis – A bluish coloration of the skin due to oxygen starvation of the cells of the body.

–   Cyanosis, Cardiac – Cyanosis due to heart failure.

–   Cycad – Any of the order of gymnosperms intermediate between ferns and palms, often with a thick, columnar truck crowned by large, tough, pinnate leaves.

–   Cyme – Inflorescence in which the primary axis bears a single central or terminal flower that blooms first.

–   Cyst – An abnormal lump or swelling, filled with fluid or semisolid material, in any body organ or tissue.

–   Cystitis – Inflammation of the urinary bladder.

–   Cystoscope – Instrument used to examine the urinary bladder. 

–   Cytokine – Protein produced by white blood cells that acts as a chemical messenger between cells. CD8 (T-suppressor) cells release a cytokine that appears to block HIV replication in infected cells, at least until the advanced stage of HIV disease.

–   Cytokinin – Plant hormone that promotes cell division.

–   Cytomegalovirus – A virus in the herpes family that causes enlargement of epithelial cells and mononucleosis-like disease.

–   Cytoxic T cell – See T-killer cell.

–   Cytotoxic – Toxic to all cells.

–   Cytotoxic T lymphocytes – (Return to Cell-mediated immunity).  Also known as T-Killer cell, cytolytic T cell, belongs to a sub-group of T lymphocytes that are capable of inducing the death of infected somatic or tumor cells; they kill cells that are infected with viruses or other pathogens, or are otherwise damaged or dysfunctional. Most cytotoxix T cells express T-cell receptors that can recognize a specific antigenic peptide bound to Class I MHC molecules, present on all nucleated cells, and a glycoprotein called CD8, which is attracted to non-variable portions of the Class I MHC molecule.  The affinity between CD8 and the MHC molecule keeps the T cell and the target cell bound closely together during antigen-specific activation.

–   Cytotoxin – Substance that has a toxic effect on certain cells, used against some tumors.

—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—

Note: Information and statements about the products on this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.  You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication.  If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.

Powered by BetterDocs