Damiana: see encyclopedia entry

Dandelion: see encyclopedia entry

Dementia: Loss of mental capacity. Senility.

Demineralization: The loss of minerals from bones.

Depression: see encyclopedia entry

Dermatitis: Skin inflammation.

Devil's Claw: see encyclopedia entry

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid): An omega-3 fatty acid found primarily in cold-water fish. see encyclopedia entry

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone): A steroid hormone produced in the adrenal glands, it is converted by the body into other hormones. see encyclopedia entry

Diabetes: see encyclopedia entry

Diabetic Retinopathy: see encyclopedia entry

Diastolic: Blood pressure during the relaxation phase of the heart beat. It is the second number given in a blood pressure reading.

Diosgenin: A compound found in Mexican wild yam root, similar to the female hormone progesterone in structure.

Diuretic: A substance that increases urination.

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid): The complex protein chemical that is the main carrier of genetic information in cells.

Dong Quai: see encyclopedia entry

Double-blind study: A method of protecting against experimental bias by ensuring that neither the test subjects nor the researchers know which subjects are receiving actual treatment and which are receiving placebo.

Duodenum: The upper portion of the small intestine.

Dysentery: A disorder marked by diarrhea with blood and mucus in the feces.

Back to Top

Echinacea: see encyclopedia entry

Eczema: A skin condition characterized by itchy, encrusted lesions. Usually caused by allergies.

Edema: Excessive fluid accumulation in body tissues, resulting in swelling.

Elderberry: see encyclopedia entry

Electrolytes: Minerals that dissolve in water and are capable of carrying electrical charges.

Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng): see encyclopedia entry

Emetic: A substance that causes vomiting.

Endocarditis: Inflammation of the endocardium (the membrane surrounding the heart muscle), usually the result of bacterial infection.

Enteric-coated: A tablet or capsule that is coated so it is not dissolved in the stomach and arrives at the intestinal tract intact.

Enzyme: A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body.

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid): An omega-3 fatty acid found primarily in cold-water fish. see encyclopedia entry

Ephedra: see encyclopedia entry

Epinephrine: See Adrenaline.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs): Fatty acids that are required by the body but cannot be manufactured in the body. They must be obtained from the diet.

Essential oils: Also known as volatile oils or essences. Complex mixtures of a variety of organic compounds that evaporate when exposed to air. They often give plants their distinct aromas.

Estrogen: The primary female hormone, made by the ovaries and uterus.

Evening Primrose Oil: see encyclopedia entry

Extract: A solution that contains the active compounds of a plant material or other substance.

Eyebright: see encyclopedia entry

Back to Top

Fat-soluble: Describing any substance that dissolves in fat. Fat-soluble vitamins include A, E, D, and K.

Fennel: see encyclopedia entry

Fenugreek: see encyclopedia entry

Feverfew: see encyclopedia entry

Flavonoids: A group of flavone-containing compounds that includes many plant pigments. These pigments may exert a variety of physiological effects in the body.

Flax/Flaxseed: see encyclopedia entry

Folic Acid: see encyclopedia entry

Fo-Ti: see encyclopedia entry

Free radicals: Highly reactive oxygen molecules that can destroy cellular compounds, damaging tissues.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS): Natural sugars that help nourish beneficial bacteria in the large intestine. see encyclopedia entry

Back to Top