A
2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG): an endocannabinoid that is a full agonist at CB1 and CB2 receptors. (9)
Adaptogens are plants that support the body’s ability to manage physical and emotional stress. They do not typically have a targeted action in the body, instead acting mainly as supportive tonics.
Benefits of Adaptogenic Herbs
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Adaptogens support the endocrine system, where your body interprets and acts upon stressors.
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They usually support the proper functioning of the immune system.
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They have a long history of use in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
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Adaptogens have been used to fight and prevent cancer in many natural protocols.
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They are an important part of any natural therapy for a degenerative and/or chronic disease.
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Adaptogens provide us some of the best means for aging in a healthy, vital way
functions without producing prominent associated adverse events
Adipose Tissue - fatty tissue, fat deposits
Afferent nerves - sensory nerve impulses which carry sensations to brain
Agni is the biological fire that governs metabolism. Ague (a gu) - a malaria-like fever
Akasha - free space, a void - substratum of sound property.
Albumin - the chief protein of blood plasma
Albuminuria - the presence of albumin in the urine
Alkaloids - potent nitrogenous plant compounds
Allergen - a compound that produces an allergic reaction
Allopathy - a system of Western medicine which treats disease and injury with active interventions such as pharmaceutical and surgical treatment to bring about opposite effects from those produced by the disease or injury
Allosteric Modulator - an agent that binds to a separate site on a receptor than the main (orthosteric) site that alters its binding properties. The effect may increase (positive allosteric modulator, PAM) or decrease (negative allosteric modulator, NAM) binding properties.
Alopecia - baldness
Alopecia Areata - baldness occuring in patches
Alteratives - consists of those herbs which unmistakably alter morbid disease processes (catabolism or degeneration) to healthy processes (anabolism or regeneration), a blood purifier; a compound that alters body metabolism
Ama - the raw undigested food products having become fetid, producing toxins in the system. Ama is considered the main cause of most diseases in the Ayurvedic science of self-healing. Ama is formed due to the malfunctioning of Agni.
Amenorrhea - scanty or absent menstruation
Anandamide (arachidonylethanolamide, AEA) - is an endogenous ligand for the CB1 receptor, from Ananda, the Sanskrit word for “bliss” (9)
Analeptic - a restorative compound
Analgesic - an agent that alleviates pain without causing loss of consciousness. Herbs that allay pain.
Anaphrodisiacs - herbs used to alley sexual feeling
Anemia - is a below-normal red blood cell level
Anesthetic - an agent that produces loss of sensation without loss of vital function.
Anodyne - an agent that relieves pain through reducing nerve excitability.
Antacid - an agent relieving excess stomach, blood or bowel acidity.
Antacids - used to neutralize the acidity of the stomach and intestines
Anthelmintic - an agent used to eliminate or destroy parasitic intestinal worms. Herbs that destroy intestinal worms.
Anthraquinones - a group of compounds with potent laxative action. Use sparingly!
Anti - prefix for terms bringing removal or relief.
Antiarthritics - herbs used for the relief of gout and arthritis
Anticoagulant - an agent that prevents the formation of a blood clot. Sesame seed oil: black mustard seed (4:1) massage directly to area.
Anti Periodics - used for the reduction of body temperature in fevers
Antiphlogistic - a substance used to reduce inflammation
Antiasthmatic - an agent that dilates bronchioles or breaks up mucus.
Antibiotic - an agent that inhibits the growth of or encourages the destruction of bacteria.
Anti Carcinogen - an agent that counteracts cancer cell growth.
Anti catarrh - an agent that counteracts mucus formation.
Antiepileptic - an agent that deters convulsions
Antiemetic - a agent that relieves nausea and vomiting.
Antihyperlipidemic - an agent that reduces arterial plaques.
Antihydrotic - an agent that checks perspiration by reducing the action of the sweat glands
Anti Inflammatory - counteract inflammation
Antioxidant - absorbs or attaches to oxygen free radicals (free radical are highly receptive compounds that attack cell membranes, enzymes, etc.)
Antipyretic - an agent that reduces or prevents fever
Antisecretory - an agent that dries the body tissues
Antiseptic - an agent that aides in purification Herbs that prevent putrefaction
Antispasmodic - an agent that relieves or prevents spasms or convulsions
Antispasmodics - Herbs that relieve ‘fits’ and ‘spasms’
Antisyphilitica - used to rid the system of syphilis
Antibiotics - same as germicides
Aperient - a gentle laxative Mild purgatives
Aphrodisiac - an agent that awakens sexual desires
Aphtha (pl. Aphthae) - small white lesions that form in the mouth and throat due to the presence of the herpes simplex virus. The virus, once contacted, tends to remain in the body of the host. When resistance is lowered for any reason, the virus may become active, forming aphthae. Also called ‘cold sores’.
Aromatic - substances with a fragrant smell and a pungent, spicy taste which stimulate our senses
Arthritis - is an inflammatory condition of our joints and characterized by pain and swelling
Ascaris - a genus of intestinal worms
Ascites is an excessive accumulation of abdominal cavity fluid
Asthi - one of the seven dhatus, the bone tissue, giving protection, shape, nourishment and longevity
Asthma is a respiratory disorder in which there is breathlessness, wheezing and dry cough
Astringent - draws tissues together - remedies that control and tend to check or arrest discharges
Astringents - contracts the tissues that are relaxed and weak, imparting strength and checking hemorrhage. Astringents are sub-divided into (1) mild (moderately contractive); (2) styptic (powerfully contractive); (3) coagulant (coagulates the blood)
Atman - the True Self, the spiritual self, oneself. The Cause of Consciousness.
Atonic - lacking in tone - debilitated
Atrophy is a wasting or diminution of size or physiological activity that affects any part of our body or brain
Attributes are the inherent qualities or properties of a substance
Auscultation is the act of listening for sounds within the body
Autonomic Nervous System - a division of the nervous system responsible for involuntary, visceral (gut) responses to one’s environment. The autonomic nervous system is further divided into two separate nervous systems that extend the length of the spinal cord, and control an integrated chain of bodily action and reactions. See: Sympathetic Nervous System, Parasympathetic Nervous System.
Ayurveda is a science of truth as it is expressed in life. It is a science of daily living and this system of knowledge evolved from the ‘rishis’ practical, philosophical and religious illumination, rooted in understanding the creation.
B
Balsam - an agent, especially an ointment, that heals and soothes - Balsam - an aromatic resinous substance, such as balm, exuded by various trees and shrubs and used as a base for certain fragrances and medical and cosmetic preparations - a tree or shrub that yields balsam - a herbaceous plant cultivated for its flowers, which are typically pink or purple and carried high on the stem.
Becquerel Rays - the rays emitted from uranium
Bile is a bitter fluids secreted by the liver which flows into the small intestine and stored in the gallbladder and it helps to metabolize fat
Binding - an agent with the ability to constipate
Bitters - herbs having a bitter taste. They stimulate digestion and the flow of gastric juices
Brahma - the first of Hindu God trinity. The creator of each element in the universe, taking the universe as his body, manifesting the energy of creation
Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchioles in lungs
Buccal - pertaining to the bucca (cheek)
Bursitis is the inflammation of the connective tissue structure surrounding a joint
C
Cachexia - weakness and emaciation caused by a serious disease
Cac, Caco - prefix indicating a diseased or deformed condition
Calculi - Stones. Generally refers to either kidney stones or gallstones.
Calmative - an agent with a mild sedative action.
Camphene - a terpene found in many essential oils including cypress oil and camphor oil
Cannabimimetic: a substance that mimics the effects of cannabis or a cannabinoid. (9)
Cannabinoids - terpenes found in CBD, CBG, CBN, and THC.
Cannabinoids: are of three types: (1) phytocannabinoids are plant based chemicals in cannabis and rarely in other plants, (2) endocannabinoids are endogenous chemicals in chordates that bind cannabinoid receptors, while (3) synthetic cannabinoids were developed to interact with these systems. (9)
Cannabinoid Receptors: G-protein-coupled receptors where one or another of THC, anandamide, and 2-AG bind. The best known are CB1, the psychoactive, neuromodulatory, and analgesic receptor, and CB2, an anti inflammatory immunomodulatory receptor, but also TRPV1, the ionotropic cannabinoid receptor for capsaicin that regulates temperature and pain responses. Ethan B. Russo “Beyond Cannabis: Plants and the Endocannabinoid System” 2016
Cannabinoid tetrad: a set of four signs in animal experiments that a substance stimulates CB1, hypomotility, catalepsy, analgesia, and hypothermia.
Cannabis - Cannabis sativa, named after the founder. Primarily domestically grown and very different from Cannabis Indica, which is native to India; The administered use should be tailored to each individual’s body to reap the full benefits.
Cardiac Depressants - herbs that lower the heart’s action
Cardiac Stimulants - herbs that increase the heart’s action
Carminative - an agent that relieves intestinal gas, pain and distention
Carron Oil - a liniment consisting of equal parts of linseed oil and lime water
Catalyst - a preparative agent that makes other remedies more effective
Catechins - a type of disease-fighting flavonoid and antioxidant. Catechins are natural antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and reduce free radicals formation, protecting cells and molecules from damage.
Cathartic/Purgatives - an agent that encourages bowel evacuation
CBD - Cannabidiol, one of 100+ terpenes found in the cannabis plant and currently the most common active phytocannabinoid being isolated for supplemental products. See our for charts and additional diagrams. Please note: CBD, like other cannabinoid compounds, will degrade further into THC if left for extended periods in improper storage condition.
Cerumen - ear wax
Cervicitis inflammation of the cervix which is the neck of uterus
Chakras are energy centers responsible for different levels of consciousness corresponding physiologically to nerve plexus centers
Cholagogue - increases bile flow
Cholagogues - promotes the flow of bile
Cholera Infantum - diarrhea in infants and young children
Cholesterol is a fatty substance in crystalline form found in all animal fats, oils, milk, egg yolks, bile, blood, brain tissue, liver, kidney and adrenal glands
Chorea - involuntary muscular twitchings of the extremities and face. Chora may follow and infection, or it may be a disease in itself
Churna - “powder” of isolates or combined herbs and minerals
Clone - refers to a cloned cannabis plant used to continue genetic breeding
Clyster - enema
Colic - spasmodic abdominal pain due to any of the various causes.
Colitis - inflammation of the colon accompanied by excessive production and secretion of mucus in the large intestine
Coryza - catarrhal inflammation of the nose
Compress is a pad of folded linen applied to be used as a topical
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the eyelid membranes
Cretinism - a condition originating in the fetal state or in early infancy due to severe thyroid deficiency, resulting in severely retarded and physical development
Cyanosis - a bluish coloration of the skin due to oxygen starvation of the cells of the body
Cyanosis, Cardiac - cyanosis due to heart failure
D
Decoctions - made by boiling water or sugar water and herbs for 20 minutes. Strain, cool, bottle and keep in a cold place.
Decongestant - an agent that relieves nasal congestion.
Demulcents - mucilaginous or oily principles which are used in solution to soothe and protect irritated mucous membranes or other tissues
Deobstruent - an agent that removes obstructions from organs
Deodorants - substances that destroy foul odors … but it’s better to just not eat or drink ingredients that create the toxins
Depurative - an agent that removes waste from body and purifies blood
Dermatitis is an inflammatory condition of the skin characterized by redness, pain and itching
Desensitization: when the continued presence of an agonist at the receptor reduces its effects and functionally becomes and antagonist. (9)
Detergents - herbs which cleanse wounds, etc
Dhanvantari - is the incarnation of Vishnu, the physician of the Gods, represents the true healer in all beings
Dhatu - is the basic nutritional and structural factors of our body. To support or nourish. There are seven shatu (tissues) - rasa, rakta, mamsa, meda, asthi, majja, shurkra
Diaphoretic - a substance that increases perspiration
Rue - Latin name: Ruta Graveolens (Linn.); Natural order: Rutaceae: Synonyms: Garden Rue, Herb-of-Grace, Herbygrass; Do not confuse Rue Herb with Goat’s Rue, which is an entirely different Herb; Part Used: The Herb; Habitat: Southern Europe. Cultivated in the US; Medicinal Actions and Uses: Stimulant, anti-spasmodic, emmenagogue; chiefly used in suppression of menses, but should not be taken in larger doses, so as it is likely to produce inflammation and nerve derangement. For hysteria, amenorrhoea, etc, has been found valuable. The Herb Rue, has a wonderful history, dating back to the time of one of our most noted herbalists - Turner - who, in 1562, mentioned it in his Herbal, and Rue has since become one of the best known and most widely-grown simples for medicinal and home uses. The name, Ruta, is from the Greek, Reuo (to set free) because this Herb is so efficacious in various diseases. It was much used by the ancients. Hippocrates, especially commended it, and it constituted a chief ingredient of the famous antidote to poison used by Mithridates. It is excellent in epilepsy and vertigo. Pliny considered it excellent for the preservation of the sight, and it was eaten green in great quantities, during his time, with excellent results for that purpose. A mixture of Euphrasia and Rue seems to have been used very successfully in those days. It is claimed, in folklore on Herbs, that “If a man be anointed with the juice of Rue, the poison of Wolf’s Bane, Mushrooms or toadstools, the biting of serpents, stinging of scorpions, spiders, bees, hornets and wasps will not hurt him.” Rue water, sprinkled in the house ‘kills all fleas,’ says an old book. Culpepper mentions its use for sciatica, and pains in the joints. Rue Herb should not be administered immediately after eating, but before, at least 30 minutes. It forms a useful medicine in hysterical affections, in coughs, croupy affections, colic, and flatulence. Oil of Rue may be given on sugar or in hot water, the dose being 1 to 5 drops.
is a clinical condition characterized by the excessive secretion of urine and increased blood-sugar level
Diaphoretics - herbs which promote perspiration
Digestants - ferments and acids which aid in the solution and absorption of food
Diphtheria - an acute, infectious, bacterial disease, characterized by a membranous exudation that covers the mucous membranes, usually in the neck area. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, obstruction of breathing and prostration. The disease can result in heart damage and is often fatal.
Discutient - an agent that dissolves and removes tumors
Dispensary - more accurately and legally, Collaborative. This is a retail front store where cannabis (thc products), cannabis hemp (industrial), and cannabis hemp CBD (industrial hemp with the CBD compound enriched), are now sold.
Dispigmentation is the loss of color in the skin organ
Distention in the bloating from internal pressure
Diuretic - promotes kidney and bladder urination secretion
Dosha - literally means fault, blemish, defect or morbid substance. The three Doshas are Vata, Pitta, kapha and are responsible for maintaining our body’s integrity, governing all biological, psychological and physiopathological functions of body, mind and consciousness. We are born with an inherent Dosha. When our Dosha(s) are compromised, this unbalance leads to diseases.
Drastics - herbs that cause much irritation
Dropsy - the excessive accumulation of fluid within the body. It may be localized or general. If general, it may indicate possible kidney trouble or heart disease.
Dysentery - a condition characterized by inflammation and bleeding of the mucous membrane lining the inside of the intestines. Dysentery may be due to microbial infection. One type is caused by bacteria of the Shigella genus, Amoebic dysentery is caused by an amoeba, Entamoeba histolytica.
Dysmenorrhea - painful menstruation
Dyspepsia - indigestion
Dyspnea - difficult or labored breathing
E
Ecbolic - herbs that induces labor or abortions
ECGC - (Epigallocatechin Gallate) is one of the most powerful polyphenols in green tea. It has been studied to treat various diseases and may be one of the main reasons green tea has such powerful medicinal properties, focusing on the cancer protective aspects.
Eczema - inflammation of the skin accompanied by itching and the presence of a water discharge. It may be acute or chronic, but is not contagious
Edema is a condition in which the bo
Edibles (Medibles) - referring to foods and beverages containing cannabinoid terpenes.
Efferent Nerves are sensory nerve impulse which carry sensations away from the brain
Electrolyte is an element or compound that, when melted or dissolved in water or other solvent, dissociates into ions to conduct an electric current
Electuary - a soft medicated confection. A medicine made my mixing drugs with honey or syrup to form a paste.
Embolus - an abnormal piece of matter in the bloodstream. It may consist of a clot, air bubble, clump of cells, or a foreign object.
Embrocation - the application of a liquid to the body by rubbing
Emetic - an agent that induces vomiting
Emmenagogue - an agent that promotes menstruation
Emollient - an agent that soothes, softens, and protects the skin.
Emulsion - an oily or resinous substance suspended in water, the agency of mucilaginous or adhesive substances
Emunctory - and excretory organ or duct
Endocannabinoid System (ECS) - the endocannabinoid system is a homeostatic regulator for neurotransmitter activity and almost every other physiological system in the body. Its name derives from cannabis, the plant that produces cannabinoids (tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, caryophyllene, and others) and whose investigation elucidated the myriad functions of the ECS. In the past two decades, additional research has discovered that many other plant foods and herbs modulate the ECS directly or indirectly. Advancing this knowledge may have important implications for human health and nutrition.
Endocannabinoid tone: the state of a person’s ECS based on serum or tissue levels of AEA and 2-AG, density of cannabinoid receptors, and availability of FAAH and MAGL catabolic enzymatic activity
Endocrine Glands function is to secrete a substance into the blood or lymph to have specific effects
Enteritis is the inflammation of usually the small intestine
Enuresis - urinary incontinence
Epilepsy is a group of neurological disorders characterized by recurrent episodes of convulsive seizures, sensory disturbances abnormal behavior, loss of consciousness or all of these
Epistaxis - 1. A film floating on the urine 2. Stoppage of bleeding 3. Nosebleed
Epithelial - lining cells which comprise the skin and mucous surfaces
Errhines - herbs that promote nasal secretions
Erysipelas - an acute, infectious condition due to Streptococcus Pyogenes characterized by a spreading skin inflammation
Erythrocytes - red blood cells
Eschar - a dry crust of dead tissue
Escharotic - a substance producing an eschar
Essential Oils - the terpenes that possess the plant’s medicinal and aromatic properties.
Eugenol is a terpene found in many herbs and spices such as of cloves
Euphoria/Euphoric - is a medical term for the 'high' one experiences from THC compounds when heated; PLEASE NOTE: the THC compound only induces euphoria when heat is added.
Exanthematous - characterized by skin eruptions
Expectorant is a substance that facilitates the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract
Extracts is a process that creates resin, oil or powder usually made by boiling down to increase strength and then preserving
F
Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH): membrane-attached enzyme that cleaves AEA into ethanolamine and arachidonic acid. Various compounds may inhibit FAAH and increase AEA levels, thus elevating ‘endocannabinoid tone.’ (9)
Fauces - the throat, from the mouth to the pharynx
Febrifuge - an agent that reduces fevers
Flatulence - gas
Flavone glycosides - rutin, quercetin, kaempferol
Flavonoids - a type of terpene with an extensive class of antioxidant compounds found in many plant foods including herbs and spices, nuts, seeds, beans.
Flower - refers to dried cannabis flowers, regardless of dominant compounds
Flora is healthful bacteria which are present in various parts of the body most particularly the digestive tract
Flux (Bloody) - dysentery
Fomentation is a treatment by warm and moist application
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS): complex plant sugar polymers, the preferred feedstock of beneficial enteric bacteria.
Furunculosis is a systemic condition characterized by the repeated formulation of boils
G
Galactagogues - herbs which increase the secretion of milk
Gastralgia - stomachache
Gastritis - inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the inside of the stomach
Gastrointestinal Tract consists of organs from the mouth to the anus which are involved in ingestion, digestion, absorption and elimination.
Genetically modified organism (GMO): a plant or animal that has had its genetic code modified or that harbors DNA transferred from another organism. (9)
Genetics - in the cannabis world, this refers to the plant's strain and health benefits of that particular strain.
Gleet - chronic inflammation of the urethra with mucous discharge
H
Haemostatics - herbs which arrest hemorrhages
Hematuria - blood in the urine
Hemorrhoids - also called piles, are swollen veins in your anus and lower rectum, similar to varicose veins
Hemp - For health and wellness purposes, hemp provides fiber and refers to cannabis sativa with a .3% or lower thc count. industrial hemp is superior for building materials, fibers, textiles, and foods. ALSO CONSULT YOUR STATE RULES B/C THEY APPLY to the THC % content. Please check NORML THC STATE GUIDELINES BEFORE selling any cannabis product.
Hepatic - a remedy for liver diseases
Hemolytic - a compound capable of dissolving red blood corpuscles
Hemoptysis is coughing up of blood from respiratory tract
Hemorrhagic - a compound that leads to internal bleeding
Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins in the lower rectum or anus owing to congestion
Hemostatic is a compound that hinders bleeding.
Hepatic - a compound used to maintain liver functions
Herpes - an acute skin inflammation consisting of patches of small blisters
Herpes Zoster - shingles
Hives are eruptions of very itchy skin caused by an allergic substance or food
Homeostasis: a state of natural physiological balance in which there is neither an excess nor deficit of activity. (9)
Hruda - promotes cheerfulness, strengthens cardiovascular system, improves elasticity and dilation
Hydragogues - purgatives which cause large watery discharges
Hypnotics - herbs which cause sleep
Hypotensive - a compound that reduces blood pressure.
I
Iatrogenic Diseases - doctor caused diseases
Infusions - a water extract prepared by pouring boiling water over herbs and steeping it covered for 1 - 5 minutes for full body and brain health and nutritional benefits: The typical proportion ratio is 1 teaspoon/1 gram herbs and spices to 8/10 ounces water to obtain its proximate principles.
Inspissated - thickened as by evaporation
Isometric - equal parts
J
Jaundice - yellowness of the skin due to liver disease
K
Kapha - is one of the three Doshas - the water humor, the extracellular and intracellular fluids playing a vital role in cell and tissue nutrition. Responsible for strength and lubrication
Karma is any action
L
Laxative - promotes bowel action and/or corrects constipation
Lekhaeeya - removes fats, adipose tissue (catabolic), cellulite removal
Leucocytes (Leukocytes) - white blood cells
Leucorrhea (Leukorrhea) - a whitish discharge from the vagina
Leucoderma is localized skin pigmentation loss
Lichen - a skin inflammation characterized by numerous small elevations
Limewater - an aqueous solution of 0.14% calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2
Liniments - made by macerating herbs in oils, alcohol, turpentine, ect., and filtering
Lint - linen
Local Anaesthetics - herbs which act when applied as a local anaesthetic
Lupus - a chronic tubular skin condition characterized by nodules of granulated tissue
Lymphadenitis is lymph node inflammation