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.

M

–   Macerate – Soak until soft.

–   Macrobiotics – A dietary approach adapted from Far Eastern philosophy whose basic principle consists of balancing the yin and yang energies of foods.  Yin foods, such as water, are expansive; yang foods, such as salt or meat, are contractile.  For the most part, the macrobiotic diet consists of whole grain cereals, millet, rice, soups, and vegetables, with beans and supplementary foods depending on the individual and the condition.  Different conditions are considered wither yin or yang, so the macrobiotic program must be adapted to each individual.

–   Macrophage – A type of immune cell that surrounds and digests foreign materials and cellular debris in the body. A large immune system cell that roams through the blood looking for foreign matter.

–   Malabsorption – Nutritionally, a defect in the absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract into the bloodstream.

–   Malaise – An overall feeling of discomfort, unease, or indisposition that is often an indicator of infection. General sense of being unwell, often accompanied by physical discomfort and weakness.

–   Malignant – Literally, “evil.”  Used to refer to cells or groups of cells that are cancerous and likely to spread. A term used to describe a condition that tends to worsen and eventually causes death.

–   Malnutrition – Insufficient food consumption to satisfy bodily needs over a prolonged period.

–   Mammography – An x-ray examination of the breast.

–   Manipulation – As a therapy, the skillful use of the hands to move a part of the body or a specific joint or muscle.

–   MAO – Monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of monoamines. An abnormal amount of these enzymes can have adverse psychological effects.  MAO Inhibitors are drugs used as antidepressants.

–   Mast cell – A cell found in many tissues of the body that contributes greatly to allergic and inflammatory processes by secreting histamine and other inflammatory chemicals.

–   Mastectomy – Surgical removal of the breast.

–   Melanoma – A malignant tumor originating from pigment cells in the deep layers of the skin. Malignant tumor of melanin-forming cells.

–   Memory cells – T cells that have been exposed to specific antigens and are able thereafter to proliferate upon repeat exposure to the same antigens.

–   Meninges – (singular meninx) is the system of membranes which envelops the central nervous system. The meninges consist of three layers: the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater.  The primary function of the meninges and of the cerebrospinal fluid is to protect the central nervous system. (Return to Aspergillosis)

–   Menopause – The cessation of menstruation caused by a sharp decrease in the production of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone.  Menopause usually occurs after the age of forty-five or following the removal of the female reproductive organs.

–   Menorrhagia – Excessive menstruation. Excessive bleeding during menstruation.

– Menses – The process in a woman of discharging blood and other materials from the lining of the uterus at intervals of about one lunar month from puberty until menopause, except during pregnancy.

– Menstrual cramps – During your menstrual period, your uterus contracts to help expel its lining. Hormonelike substances (prostaglandins) involved in pain and inflammation trigger the uterine muscle contractions. Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with more-severe menstrual cramps

–   Menstruation – The discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus that occurs when an egg is not fertilized.

–   Metabolic rate – Level of energy expenditure.

–   Metabolism – The physical and chemical processes necessary to sustain life, including the production of cellular energy, the synthesis of important biological substances, and degradation of various compounds. A collective term for all the chemical processes that take place in the body. Boost your metabolism. Metabolism is the set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms. The three main functions of metabolism are: the conversion of the energy in food to energy available to run cellular processes;

–   Metabolite – A substance produced as a result of a metabolic process. A product of a chemical reaction.

–   Metastasis – The spread of cancer to a site or sites away from the original tumor.  Spread of a malignant tumor far from its site of origin, usually through the vascular system. 

–   Methionine – An amino acid found in casein, wool, and other proteins or prepared synthetically: used as a supplement to a special diet in the prevention and treatment of certain liver diseases. (Return to Lipotropic)

–   Microflora – The microbial inhabitants of a particular region- e.g., the colon.

–   Microgram – A measurement of weight equivalent to 1/1,000 milligram.

–   Microorganism – Any living organism too small to be viewed by the unaided eye, including bacteria, viruses, protists, and some algae and fungi.

–   Micturition – Urination.

–   Migraine – Recurrent, intense headache, often accompanied by blurred vision and vomiting, caused by contraction and dilation of arteries in the brain.

–   Milligram – A measurement of weight equivalent to 1/1,000 gram (a gram is equal to approximately 1/28 ounce).

–   Mimulus (Flower Remedies) – For those with feelings of deep gloom which come and go quite suddenly for no apparent reason.

–   Mineral – An inorganic substance required by the body in small quantities.

–   Mineralocorticoid steroid – A salt-retaining hormone of the adrenal cortex.

–   Miscible – The ability of a gas or liquid to mix uniformly with another gas or liquid.

–   Mitogenic – An agent that effects cell division.

–   Mold – Multicellular filamentous fungus.

–   Mole – Flat or raised area of brown pigment in the skin.

–   Monoclonal – Genetically engineered antibodies specific for one particular antigen.

–   Monocotyledon – an angiosperm having only one seed leaf; cotyledon.

–   Monoplegia – Paralysis of a single limb or a single group of muscles.

–   Monosaccharide – A simple one-unit sugar such as fructose or glucose.

–   Monoterpenes – Phytochemicals found in citrus fruits, egg-plant, green vegetables, tomatoes, and yams that act as antioxidants and help protect the immune system.

–   Montmorillonite – Lake Clays used in nutrition as a source of trace minerals.

–   Morbid – The used of Herbs that help the affected by, caused by, causing, or characteristic of disease. Pertaining to diseased parts: morbid anatomy.

– Morning Sickness – Morning sickness is feeling like throwing up, also called nausea, and throwing up, also called vomiting, that occurs during pregnancy. Despite its name, morning sickness can strike at any time of the day or night. Many people have morning sickness, especially during the first three months of pregnancy.

–   Moss – Any of various small bryophytes without true stems reproducing by spores and growing in velvety clusters in moist areas on racks, trees, and the ground.

–   Motility – The power to move spontaneously.

–   Motor – Designating muscular activity stimulated by impulses from the central nervous system.

–   Mouthwash – Gargle.

–   Moxa – A dried herb (usually mugwort) burnt on or above the skin to stimulate an acupuncture point or to serve as a counterirritant.

–   MRI – Magnetic resonance imaging.  A technique used in diagnosis that combines the use of radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce detailed images of the internal structures of the body.

–   Mucilage – A substance containing gelatinous constituents that are demulcent.

–   Mucilaginous – Of, pertaining to, or secreting mucilage.  Of the nature of or resembling mucilage; moist, soft, and viscid.

–   Mucin – A protein that forms mucus when mixed with water.

–   Mucolytic – Dissolving or braking down mucus.

–   Mucosa – See Mucous membrane.

–   Mucous membrane – The mucous membranes are linings of mostly endodermal origin, covered in epithelium, which are involved in absorption and secretion.  They line various body cavities that are exposed to the external environment and internal organs.  It is at several places continuous with skin:  at the nostrils, the lips, the ears, the genital area, and the anus. The sticky, thick fluid secreted by the mucous membranes and gland is termed mucus.  The term mucous membrane refers to where they are found in the body and not every mucous membrane secretes mucus.

Membranes that line the cavities and canals of the body that communicate with the air.  Examples include the membranes lining the inside of the mouth, nose, anus, and vagina.

Mucus-secreting membrane lining body cavities and canals connecting with external air. (Return to Mucosa)

–   Mucus – Viscid watery lubricating solution secreted by mucous membrane. 

–   Muscle relaxer – Depressant or tranquilizer that acts to relieve tension in muscles.

–   Mutagen – External agent that increases mutation rate in cells.

–   Myalgia – Pain in one or more muscles.

–   Myalginal – Muscle pains.

–   Mycelium – Mass of threadlike tubes forming the vegetative parts of a fungus.

–   Mycorrhiza – Close symbiosis between the mycelia of certain fungi and the root cells of some vascular plants.

–   Mycosis – Fungus infection.

–   Mycotoxin – Toxin from yeasts and fungi.

–   Mydriatic – Dilates the pupil.

–   Mydriatics – Herbs which cause mydriasis, or dilation of pupils. A substance that enlarges the pupil. 

–   Myelin sheath – A fatty covering that protects nerve cells.  Myelin sheaths are noticeably damaged or missing in people with multiple sclerosis. A white fatty substance that surrounds nerve cells and aids in nerve impulse transmission.

–   Myeloma – Malignancy of bone marrow.

–   Myelosuppression – The suppression of bone marrow activity, which can cause anemia.

–   Myotics – Herbs which cause myosis, or contraction of the pupil.

–   Myosis – Excessive constriction, as a result of the drugs, disease, or the like.

—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.