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We currently have 551 entries in all our glossaries.
2-bromo-2 nitropropane 1-3 diol [Pharmacology]
An antimicrobial agent, active against bacteria and fungi. It can react with secondary amines and form nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens. Used at high levels it can cause irritation.
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Abortifacient [Pharmacology]
Induces the premature abortion of the fetus. Example: pennyroyal, aloe, sandalwood.
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Absolute [Pharmacology]
An aromatic, volatile substance obtained by solvent extraction from a single botanical species - for example rose absolute and jasmine absolute. None of the solvent should remain after the process is complete, when absolutes may be used like essential oils.
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ABULIA [Encyclopedia of metaphysical medicine]
(Gk. a, 'non'; boule, 'will'), or aboulia, the inability to make up one's mind or to act on a decision, a mental condition often found in depression, melancholia, dementia, epilepsy, and in certain neurotic conditions like psychasthenia. The term has broader implications which suggest a state of ap...
Acerola [Pharmacology]
A cherry from Bermuda, high in natural Vitamin C a powerful antioxidant.
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Acetamide MEA [Pharmacology]
A synthetic raw material used as a hair conditioner and solvent. It has low toxicity to the skin and eyes.
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Acetic acid [Pharmacology]
An acid in vinegar and used as a preservative in foods and a solvent for gums and volatile oils.
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Acetone [Pharmacology]
A solvent used mainly in nail varnishes and nail polish removers. It is an irritant, and its use in cosmetics has been banned or restricted in many countries.
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Acid colours [Pharmacology]
Synthetic dyes used to colour food, cosmetics and toiletries. The list of allowable acid colours has been reduced dramatically in recent years because they are highly irritant.
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Acids [Pharmacology]
Substances that, when added to water, liberate hydrogen as an ion. They also react with bases to form salts. Acids have a low pH value (pH7 being neutral). Note that strong acids can be highly irritant; weak acids are beneficial to the skin, which is naturally slightly acidic.
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Active ingredients [Pharmacology]
The ingredients contained in any formula that give the desired physiological effect - for example, the component in a moisturizing cream that improves the moisture content of the skin.
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ACUPUNCTURE [Encyclopedia of metaphysical medicine]
(Lat. acus, 'needle'), a method of relieving pain and curing ailments by pricking a part of the body with a needle. The point punctured is not the organ affected and not even necessarily near the source of the trouble, but may be in another part of the body altogether. Thus, the little toe may be p...
Adaptogens [Pharmacology]
Herbs that help us adapt to stress by supporting the adrenal glands, the endocrine system, and the whole person. Examples are ginseng root, nettle leaf, sarsaparilla, licorice root, and ashwagandha.
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Aesculus hippocastanum [Pharmacology]
Horse chestnut - astringent action, prevents skin from drying.
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AETI0L0GY [Encyclopedia of metaphysical medicine]
(Gk. aitia, 'cause'), the study of causes, specifically with regard to the origins of disease. Physicians look for symptoms in their patients, and from these symptoms make their diagnosis. The cause of the disease may then become apparent, but this is by no means always the case; quite often the ac...
Alcohol [Pharmacology]
Ethanol - olourless, volatile, flammable liquid produced by the fermentation of
yeast and carbohydrates and used as a highly effective preservative. Can cause dryness and irritation when used topically. Ethanol can increase the permeability of the skin and may enable unwanted impurities to be abso...
yeast and carbohydrates and used as a highly effective preservative. Can cause dryness and irritation when used topically. Ethanol can increase the permeability of the skin and may enable unwanted impurities to be abso...
Alkaloids [Pharmacology]
Plant substances with an organic nitrogen base that often have pharmacological properties. For example, valerianine is an alkaloid present in the herb valerian.
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Alkyloamides [Pharmacology]
A common family of ingredients, including Cocamide DEA, MEA, MIPA or PEG, used in shampoos, bubble baths and liquid hand and body cleansers. They are employed for thickening, gelling, emulsifying and solubilizing. The major drawback with alkyloamides is that they can be contaminated with nitrosamin...
Allantoin [Pharmacology]
Derived from Comfrey root - humectant, anti-irritating, healing and soothing.
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Aloe barbadensis [Pharmacology]
Aloe Vera - soothing and cooling. An anti-irritant with healing properties.
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Alpha Hydroxy Acid [Pharmacology]
An organic acid produced by anaerobic respiration. Skin care products
containing AHA exfoliate not only damage skin cells, but the skin's
protective barrier as well. Long term skin damage may result from its use.
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containing AHA exfoliate not only damage skin cells, but the skin's
protective barrier as well. Long term skin damage may result from its use.
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Alterative [Pharmacology]
These herbs alter or change a long-standing condition by aiding the elimination of metabolic toxins. Gradually facilitates a beneficial change in the body. Also known as "blood cleansers' in the past, these herbs improve lymphatic circulation, boost immunity, and help clear chronic conditions of th...
Aluminium [Pharmacology]
A metallic element used extensively in the manufacture of aircraft
components, prosthetic devices and as an ingredient in antiperspirants,
antacids and antiseptics. Aluminium has been linked to Alzheimer's disease - Dr Daniel Perl, Director of
Neuropathology at Mount Sinai Medical Centre in New ...
components, prosthetic devices and as an ingredient in antiperspirants,
antacids and antiseptics. Aluminium has been linked to Alzheimer's disease - Dr Daniel Perl, Director of
Neuropathology at Mount Sinai Medical Centre in New ...
Aluminosilicates [Pharmacology]
Silicates containing aluminium, which are a major compound found in many clays, such as kaolin or bentonite.
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Alunite [Pharmacology]
Naturally occurring crystals - only impacts on germs, does not choke pores.
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