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

1. Adaptogens support the endocrine system, where your body interprets and acts upon stressors.

2. They usually support the proper functioning of the immune system.

3. They have a long history of use in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

4. Adaptogens have been used to fight and prevent cancer in many natural protocols.

5. They are an important part of any natural therapy for a degenerative and/or chronic disease.

6. 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