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Anti-tussive Inhibits the cough reflex, helping to stop coughing. |
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Aperient A very mild laxative. |
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Aphrodisiac Promotes sexual excitement. |
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Aril Fleshy or hairy outgrowth of certain seeds. |
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Arteriosclerosis Build-up of fatty deposits in the blood vessels leading to narrowing and hardening, and associated with heart disease and strokes. |
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Astringent Used to describe an herb that will precipitate proteins from the surface of cells or membranes, causing tissues to contract and tighten; forms a protective coating and stops bleeding and discharges. |
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Bach Flower Remedies Extracts of flowers collected as dew and preserved in brandy, developed by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930s and widely used to treat emotional upsets and disturbances. |
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Biennial A plant that lives for two years. |
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Bile A thick, bitter fluid secreted by the liver and stored in the gall bladder that aids the digestion of fats. |
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Bitter Stimulates secretion of digestive juices. |
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Blood clotting The process by which the proteins in blood are changed from a liquid to a solid by an enzyme, in order to check bleeding. |
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Blood sugar The levels of glucose in the blood. |
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Bronchial Relating to the air passages of the lungs. |
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Bulk laxative Increases the volume of feces, producing larger, softer stools. |
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Carminative Expels gas from the stomach and intestines to relieve flatulence, digestive colic, and gastric discomfort. |
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