Glossary

glossary-image

Never heard or seen that word before? I’ll explain…

Analgesic

A remedy that relieves or allays pain.[3]

Anti-bacterial

Destructive to or inhibiting the growth of bacteria.[1]

Anti-fungal

Inhibiting the growth of fungi.[1]

Anti-inflammatory

Acting to reduce certain signs of inflammation, such as swelling, tenderness, fever, and pain.[1]

Antimicrobial

An antimicrobial agent is defined as a natural or synthetic substance that kills or inhibits the growth of micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi and algae.[2]

Antioxidant

An enzyme or other organic substance that is capable of counteracting the damaging effects of oxidation in animal tissues. [1]  

Antiseptic

Substances that prevent or inhibit the growth of disease-causing microorganisms.[1]

Astringent

A substance that contracts the tissues or canals of the body.[1]

Carvacrol

A colorless, thick, oily liquid, C10H14O, having a mintlike odor: used chiefly as a disinfectant, as a fungicide, and as a scent in the manufacture of perfume.[1]

Cineole

A colorless, oily, slightly water-soluble liquid terpene ether, C10H18O, having a camphor-like odor and a pungent, spicy, cooling taste, found in eucalyptus, cajeput, and other essential oils: used in flavoring, perfumery, and medicine chiefly as an expectorant.[1]

Complementary medicine

(Also called: alternative medicine) The treatment, alleviation, or prevention of disease by such techniques as osteopathy, homeopathy, aromatherapy, and acupuncture, allied with attention to such factors as diet and emotional stability, which can affect a person’s wellbeing.[1]

Cytokine

A type of small protein, as interferon, secreted by certain cells, especially immune cells, that helps regulate the body’s immune response to inflammation and disease.[1]

Deodorize

To rid of odour, especially of unpleasant odour.[1]

Emollient

Having the power of softening or relaxing, as a medicinal substance; soothing, especially to the skin.[1]

Ester

A compound produced by the reaction between an acid and an alcohol with the elimination of a molecule of water.[1]

Eugenol

A colorless, oily, spicy, aromatic, very slightly water-soluble liquid, C10H12O2, extracted from certain essential oils, as oil of cloves: used chiefly in perfumery and in dentistry as an antiseptic.[1]

Expectorant

Promoting the discharge of phlegm or other fluid from the respiratory tract.[1]

Free radicals

These are unstable atoms that can damage cells, causing illness and aging.[3]

 Incessantly

Without stopping; continuously; ceaselessly.[1]

Insomnia

Inability to obtain sufficient sleep, especially when chronic; difficulty in falling or staying asleep; sleeplessness.[1]

Lecithin

A commercial form of this substance, obtained chiefly from soybeans, corn, and egg yolk, used in foods, cosmetics, and inks.[1]

Myristic

An oily, white crystalline compound, C14H28O2, insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol and ether: used in soaps, cosmetics, and in the synthesis of esters for flavours and perfumes.[1]

Phenol

Also called carbolic acid, hydroxybenzene, oxybenzene, phenylic acid. a white, crystalline, water-soluble, poisonous mass, C6H5OH, obtained from coal tar, or a hydroxyl derivative of benzene: used chiefly as a disinfectant, as an antiseptic, and in organic synthesis.[1]

Saponin

Any of a group of amorphous glycosides of terpenes and steroids, occurring in many plants, characterized by an ability to form emulsions and to foam in aqueous solutions, and used as detergents.[1]

Sebum

The fatty secretion of the sebaceous glands.[1]

Solubilize

To make soluble, or to increase solubility.[1]

Squalene

An oil, C30H50, intermediate in the synthesis of cholesterol, obtained for use in manufacturing pharmaceuticals.[1]

Vasoconstrictor

Constriction of the blood vessels, as by the action of a nerve.[1]

 

Sources:

  1. https://www.dictionary.com/, 21.11.2023
  2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/antimicrobial-agent, 21.11.2023
  3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318652, 21.11.2023