cardiotonic – a substance which has a favorable effect on the tone of the heart muscle.
carminative – a substance that induces the expulsion of gas from the stomach or intestines so as to relieve flatulence or abdominal pain or distension.
carposide – a glycoside found in papaya.
catamenia – monthly menstrual cycle.
cathartic – a substance which causes vigorous evacuation of the intestines.
cephalic – a substance used to treat diseases of the head: headaches, sinus congestion, etc.
cervical os – in the center of the cervix the hole which leads to the uterus.
cervical os mucous plug – a mucilaginous substance that plugs the os and serves as a barrier against bacteria entering the uterus during pregnancy.
cervix – the lower narrow portion of the uterus which joins to the vagina.
chorionic villi – little fingers of tissue that sprout from the chorion to give the maximum contact of surface area to the maternal blood. eventually some of the chorionic villi anchor into the uterine wall and form into a placenta.
Chorionic Gonadotropin (CG) - hormone secreted around the second week of pregnancy by the chorionic villi, hormone detected in urine in pregnancy tests.
cocarcinogen – a substance that alone causes no growth of cancer, but when combined with a carcinogenic substance can increase the carcinogenic action of that substance.
colostrum – yellowish colored milk secreted for a few days after birth and characterized by high protein and antibody content.
combinations - two or more herbs taken at the same time.
conception – union of egg and sperm.
contact dermatitis - inflammation of the skin caused by skin contact with a substance.
contraception – intentional prevention of conception through the use of various devices: drugs, condoms, sexual practices, or surgical procedures.
contraindications - something that makes a particular treatment or procedure inadvisable.
corm - an underground stem, differing from a bulb only in that it has no scales.
corolla - outer envelope of a flower, petals.
corpus luteum - a yellowish mass of progesterone-secreting endocrine tissue in the ovary that forms immediately after ovulation. The corpus luteum regresses rather quickly if the ovum is not fertilized, but if the ovum is fertilized the corpus luteum persists throughout the pregnancy.
courses – Middle English meaning monthly menstrual cycle.
decoction – a medicinal substance made by simmering herbs in water to extract the medicinal components.
demulcent – a substance used to sooth and relieve pain in inflamed tissues.
desaspidin – a substance derived from a Finnish fern, used to help eliminate tapeworm.
diaphoretic – a substance capable of inducing sweating.
digestant - a substance aids in digestion.
diuretic - a substance that increases the excretion of urine.
dysmenorrhea - painful menstruation.
ecbolic - a substance that tends to increase uterine contractions and that can be used to facilitate delivery.
ectopic pregnancy – implantation and gestation of the ovum elsewhere than in the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube, but can also be in the peritoneal cavity.
embryo – the developing human from the time of implantation until the eighth week after conception.
emesis – vomiting.
emetic – a substance that induces vomiting.
emmenagogue - an agent that promotes menstruation.
endometriosis - the presence and growth of functioning endometrial tissue in places other than the uterus.
endometrium - the mucous membrane lining the uterus.
essential oil – the concentrated oil obtained from a plant by steam distillation, expression, or extraction.
estrogen – a group of steroids, named after the female estrous cycle, which function as the primary female sex hormone. All estrogens in the body are produced from androgens through the actions of enzymes.
estrogen-dependent tumors- cancerous growths that increase abnormal cell division when estrogen is present.
estrogenic – a substance that promotes ovulation.
expectorant – a substance that promotes the discharge or expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract.
extra amniotically – not within the amniotic fluid, usually indicates the space between the gestational sac and the uterine wall
fallopian tube - muscular hollow arms of the uterus that seek out, find, and usher the ovum to the uterus.
fetus – the developing human in the womb is considered a fetus once the basic structure is attainted, usually 48 days after conception until birth.
fibroid cyst – benign tumors that can grow usually in the uterus or breasts.
filicin - an active principle obtained from male fern.
flavaspidic acid – an acid obtained from male fern that inhibits bilirubin.
follicle cells - a protective group of spherical cells surrounding and containing the egg at ovulation.
formulation - the process of preparing and combining certain substances to create a final medicinal product.
fumigant - a substance used in fumigation.
fumigation - to smoke, vapor, or gas certain substances and direct the resulting smoke, steam, or aromatic toward the body for medicinal purposes.
Fungus – a member of the kingdom fungi, characteristically lacking chlorophyll including: molds, rusts, mildews, mushrooms, and yeasts.
gastritis - inflammation of the stomach.
glycoside – a series of molecules where a sugar is bound another molecule. In plants, glycosides are often stored for use. If the glycoside is needed by the plant, the glycosides are brought in contact with water and an enzyme, the sugar is broken off, and the chemical is thus made available to use. Many plant glycosides are used in medicine.
habitual abortion - spontaneous abortion occurring in three pregnancies in a row.
hemorrhage – bleeding in excess, can lead to fatalities. In abortion, hemorrhage is roughly defined as soaking through 3 or more thick pads in 3 hours or less. Hemorrhage may be caused by inadequate evacuation of tissue from the uterus, and requires MVA and immediate medical attention.
hepatic - remedy specifically for diseases of the liver.
hepatotoxic – causing injury to the liver.
hydragogue – causing the discharge of watery fluid.
hypotensive - reduces blood pressure.
HRT - hormone replacement therapy.
hydrotherapy - the therapeutic use of water.
hyper catharsis – excessive purging of the intestines.
hypotensive - causing low blood pressure or a lowering of blood pressure.
implantation - the process of attachment of the embryo to the wall of the uterus.
infusion - the soaking in water of an herb or combination of herbs in order to extract its soluble constituents or principles.