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Page 101
Cathartic
A strong, purging laxative.
Cholagogue
Stimulates bile flow from the gall bladder and bile ducts into the duodenum.
Cholesterol
A fatlike material present in the blood and most tissues that is an important constituent of cell membranes, steroidal hormones, and bile salts. Excess cholesterol has been blamed for the build-up of fatty deposits in the blood vessels seen in arteriosclerosis.
Choleretic
Increases the secretion of bile by the liver.
Circulatory stimulant
Increases blood flow.
Cleansing herb
A herb that improves the excretion of waste products from the body.
Cooling
A term used to describe herbs that are often bitter or relaxing and will help to reduce internal heat and hyperactivity.
D
Decongestant
Relieves congestion, usually nasal.
Demulcent
Softens and soothes damaged or inflamed surfaces, such as the gastric mucous membranes.
Diaphoretic
Increases sweating.
Diuretic
Encourages urine flow.
Doctrine of Signatures
A medieval theory that argued that the appearance of plants contained clues to their medicinal properties in their appearance. Similar beliefs are found in most cultures worldwide.
E
Emetic
Causes vomiting.
Emmenagogue
A uterine stimulant that encourages menstrual flow; excess may lead to miscarriage in pregnancy.
Emollient
Softens and soothes the skin.

 
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