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Absolute
An absolute is a refined, liquid extract of fragrant plant material. Most essential oils are extracted from their plant source by steam distillation. An absolute is extracted from a concrete which is a thick, fragrant material extracted from the plant using a hydrocarbon solvent. Concretes contain essential oils, fatty acids and waxes. Absolutes are subsequently extracted from concretes with pure alcohol and a process known as vacuum distillation. The alcohol dissolves and absorbs the fragrant material from the concrete. The alcohol extract is then refined into the finished absolute by chilling. Waxes, fats and other non-aromatic contents are precipitated in the cold and filtered out. The alcohol is then removed through evaporation under vacuum. What's left behind is the pure, fragrant absolute which is made up primarily of essential oil constituents.

Adrenal cortex
The outer part of the adrenal gland, which secretes a group of hormones involved in mineral metabolism and glucose metabolism.

Alkaloid
Alkaline substances found in certain plants, such as berberine and hydrastine from golden seal.

Allantoin
A natural constituent usually derived from Comfrey Root.

Allopathy
Conventional medicine.  Allopathy treats opposites with opposites, by using that which is the opposite of the symptom of the illness: antispasmodics, fever reducers, antidepressants, etc.

Alpha-ketoglutarate
One of the intermediary products in the Krebs cycle.

Amino acids
A basic building block of protein. There are 22 amino acids, nine of which cannot be produced within the body and are considered essential; the remainder are considered nonessential.

Aminomonosaccharide
An amino acid bound to a simple sugar.

Ammonium chloride
An acidic substance found naturally in the stomach.

Amylase
A starch-digesting enzyne.

Anthocyanoside
A violet, red, or blue flavonoid found in grapes, berries, beets, and eggplants.

Anthroposophy -- see Biodynamic Agriculture

Antioxidant
A substance that prevents the reaction of various food constituents with oxygen. Better known antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and F, and bioflavonoids.

Aromatherapy
 Descriptions of Essential Oils
 Preparations and Forms of

Ascorbic acid
The scientific name for vitamin C.

Aspartate
A compound formed when a mineral is bound to aspartic acid, one of the nonessential amino acids.

Arthritis
Click here for more detailed information.

Beta-carotene
A non-toxic precursor to vitamin A; sometimes known as "provitamin A."

Beta-sitosterol
A plant steroid involved in lipid (fat) metabolism.

Betaine
A nature identical synthetic so-named because it was first discovered in sugar beets.  A substance that may serve as a precursor to choline.

Bicarbonate
A negatively charged alkali ion that helps regulate acid-base balance.

Bioavailability
The amount of a nutrient that enters the bloodstream and thus reaches the tissues and organs of the body.

Biodynamic Agriculture
This subject is addressed within the work of Rudolf Steiner, known as anthroposophy--a new approach to science which integrates precise observation of natural phenomena, clear thinking, and knowledge of the spirit. Visit www.biodynamic.net.

Bioflavonoids (phytochemical)
A group of brightly colored, water-soluble compounds found in certain plants. These companions of natural Vitamin C are known antioxidants and are believed to contribute to capillary integrity. Investigated for their anticancer & disease fighting properties. Has been used by natural healers to treat asthma & allergy. Better known bioflavonoids include

Biotin
A water-soluble, sulfur-containing B vitamin in which plays an essential role in the rnetabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Boron
A biologically dynamic trace mineral that affects many metabolic functions.

Bromelain
The protein-digesting enzyme derived from pineapple. 

Cocamidropropyl betaine
A biodegradable cleanser derived from coconut.

Calcium pantothenate
A source for pantothenic acid, which is one of the B vitamins.

Carbohydrate
One of the three main classes of foods essential to the body; includes monosaccharides (simple sugars such as fructose, galactose, and glucose), oligosaccharides (sugars containing 2 to it) monosaccharides, such as lactose, maltose, and sucrose), and polysaccharides (complex sugars such as cellulose, glycogen, and starch).

Carbonate
A compound formed when a mineral is bound to carbonic acid. Carbonic acid may release the bicarbonate ion to help maintain neutrality of body fluids.

Carrier Oils  

Chelate
A compound formed when a metallic ion is bound to an organic molecule; used to improve availability of minerals.  See Magic of Chelation. 

Chloride
A form of the element chlorine. The chloride ion helps regulate acid-base balance and fluid balance; it's also a constituent of stomach acid.

Chlorophyll
The green pigment in plants which permits them to manufacture food.

Choline/Choline bitartrate
A key constituent of lecithin, involved in fat metabolism and nerve transmission. As a lipotropic factor, choline prevents the accumulation of fat in the liver.

Chromium
A trace mineral which acts cooperatively with other substances that control metabolism; a component of the glucose tolerance factor and activator of certain enzymes.

Citrate
A compound formed when a mineral is bound to citric acid. Citric acid plays an integral role in metabolism as part of the Krebs cycle.

Cobalamin/Cyanocobalamin
The scientific name for vitamin B12.

Coco-Betaine
Mild & easily biodegradable, it is formed by combining coconut fatty acids with betaine">betaine. This foam boosting cleansing agent buffers irritation caused by Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).

Commission E
The body of scientists and panel of experts that provides advice on herbal treatments and evaluates the safety, effectiveness and dosage of medicinal herbs ; Germany's equivalent of the FDA.

Complex
A remedy comprised of several active ingredients most often diluted from the M.T. (Mother Tincture) to a 3CH dilution.  The combined ingredients have a common or complementary effect.  Complexes are used to drain tissues, organs or systems to eliminate toxins.

Copper
A trace mineral involved in iron metabolism and essential for the formation of hemoglobin; a component of several enzyme systems.

Cryogenic Grinding
Raw materials are ground at zero to minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit to protect volatile components. Normal grinding temperatures can reach 200 degrees, damaging heat-sensitive components. Our research shows that cryogenic grinding delivers up to 22% higher levels of active constituents. 

Cysteine
A nonessential, sulfur-containing amino acid converted within the body to cystine, an important constituent of hair.

Decylpolyglucose
A mild cleansing agent made from corn and glucose.

Deglycyrrhizinated
A safe form of licorice that has had the glycyrrhetinic acid removed (glycyrrhetinic acid raises blood pressure).

Dilution
A process for producing remedies, especially in homeopathy, that deconcentrates active ingredients of vegetable, mineral or animal origin.  Successive dilutions are carried out according to the Hahnemanian method, to 1/10 (Decimal D), or 1/100 (Centesimal CH) of the raw material.  Each homeopathic remedy is labeled with the number of dilutions.  For example, Arnica 5CH or 7CH indicates that the base ingredient has been diluted 5 or 7 times, one to one hundredths.

Dolisos
Taken from the Latin "Dol", which means pain and the Greek "Iso", which means similar.  This is the basis of homeopathy.

Drainage
A therapeutic method that reactivates the functioning of organs or systems, facilitating the elimination of toxins.

Enteric-coated
A coating that prevents a tablet or capsule from being digested until it reaches the small intestine.

Enzyme/Coenzyme
Complex protein compounds found in living cells which speed biochemical reactions. Thousands of different enzymes are manufactured in the human body. Enzymes are the catalysts for all metabolic reactions. A coenzyme works with an enzyme to produce a particular reaction.

Essential Oils, Descriptions of:
See also, All About Aromatherapy

Fat-soluble
Compounds which are stored in the liver and fatty tissues of the body, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Fatty acids
Key components of lipids required in the body for cell membrane function and integrity, healthy skin, cholesterol metabolism, and prostaglandin production. Fatty acids can be saturated (acetic, butyric, palmitic acids), monounsaturated (oleic acid), or polyunsaturated (linoleic, linolenic, arachidonic acids).

Flavonoids
Another name for bioflavonoids.

Folic acid
A member of the B vitamin complex essential for normal growth, reproduction, and the formation of heme, the iron-containing protein in hemoglobin.

Freeze-dried
A solid substance isolated from a solution by freezing the solution and evaporating the ice under vacuum.

Fructose
A simple sugar which occurs naturally in fruit or honey.

Fumarate
A compound formed when a mineral (usually iron) is bound to fumaric acid.

GABA
Gamma-aminobutyric acid, a chemical associated with nervous system function.

Germanium
A trace mineral.

Gluconate
A compound formed when a mineral is bound to gluconic acid.

Glucosamine
A compound manufactured from glucose used in building cartilage.

Glutamic acid/Glutamine
A nonessential amino acid which serves primarily as a brain fuel; the precursor to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Glycine
A nonessential amino acid which participates in the body's synthesis of purines, porphyrins, creatine, and glyoxylic acid.

GMO
Genetically Modified Organism. Genetically engineered soybeans were developed to yield larger harvests at reduced costs. Developed by transplanting a target protein, derived from a type of bacterium commonly found in soil, to make the plant resistant to herbicides, which is used to treat many soybeans fields.

Granules -- see pellets

HCl
The chemical symbol for hydrochloric acid, which plays an important role in the digestion of proteins.

(HPUS) The Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States

Herbal Preparations
 

Hesperidin
A bioflavonoid derived from citrus fruit.

Homeopathy
A system of alternative medicine that seeks to treat patients by administering small doses of medicines that would bring on symptoms similar to those of the patient in a healthy person.

Hormones
They are chemical messengers within the body that tell cells what to do. Hormones control a wide range of bodily functions including reproduction, sex drive, sleep, immunity, & digestion, to the ability to think & talk. The decline in certain key hormones, notably DHEA.

Inositol
A water-soluble chemical compound closely related to glucose, stored largely in the brain, heart muscle, and skeletal muscle. Inositol has a lipotropic effect and may aid in the metabolism of fats.

Iodine
An essential nutrient used in producing thyroid hormones which affect physical and mental growth, the functioning of nerves and muscles, and metabolism.

Iron
An essential mineral needed to build red blood cells, available in food as heme (organic) or non-heme (non-organic) iron. Heme iron is absorbed more efficiently.

Kelp
Another name for seaweed, which is rich in iodine and other nutrients, including most water-soluble vitamins.

Krebs cycle
The final chemical pathway in the conversion of nutrients to energy.

Lactate
A compound formed when a mineral is bound to lactic acid.

Lauryl Glucoside
A powerful grease-cutting surfactant that is mild & biodegrades quickly. It is made by combining glucose from corn with fatty alcohols from coconut & palm kernel oils. 

Lecithin
A versatile phospholipid found in all living organisms. Phospholipids are structural components of cell membranes, potential energy sources, and components of certain enzymes. Lecithin is a well-known fat emulsifier.

Lipase
A fat-digesting enzyme.

Lipid
Any fat or fatlike substance, including oils, sterols, and complex compounds such as phospholipids.

Lysine
An essential amino acid required for growth; helps the body effectively use fatty acids for energy production.

Lysozyme
An enzyme that digests certain high molecular weight carbohydrates.

Macrocystis pyrifera
A Pacific kelp rich in trace minerals such as selenium.

Magnesium
An essential mineral found in bones, teeth, and red blood cells, magnesium activates many enzyme systems (such as those involved in protein digestion and energy production); affects calcium metabolism; and relaxes nerve impulses and muscle contractions.

Malate
A compound formed when a mineral is bound to malic acid.

Manganese
An essential mineral which activates enzyme systems involved in protein and energy metabolism. Manganese is involved in connective tissue and bone formation, insulin action, and cholesterol synthesis.

Metabolism
The chemical reactions that break down food into usable nutrients for immediate energy, and build nutrient molecules into more complex molecules for specific body functions.

Methionine
An essential amino acid which contains sulfur.

Mineral
A chemical element found in the ash that remains after a food or body tissue is burned. Macrominerals (such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium) are required in larger amounts than microminerals (such as chromium, manganese, selenium, and zinc). Minerals serve many purposes in the human body.

Mineral Oil

Modalities
A group of circumstances that will improve or aggravate a symptom: such as weather, humidity, rest, exercise.  They will determine the remedy most appropriate to each individual.

Molybdenum
A trace mineral which plays a role in three enzyme systems involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins; also found in tooth enamel.

Mother Tinctures (M.T.)
Preparations derived from plants.  The fresh plant is macerated for 21 days in a mixture of water and alcohol.  The Mother Tincture is filtered and preserved at specific temperatures.

Mucilage
A water-soluble, gel-forming fiber.

Mucopolysaccharide
A polysaccharide containing hexosamine (as glucosamine) which helps form mucins--substances that cement cells together and lubricate joints.

Mycozyme
An enzyme that digests carbohydrates.

Niacinamide
The biologically active form of niacin occurring in the body's tissues.

Non-GMO
See GMO

Organic
Any substance derived naturally from a living organism. Any carbon-containing nutrient, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and vitamins. See also Why Organic?

Oxide
A compound formed when a mineral is combined with oxygen.

PABA
Para-aminobenzoic acid, an essential part of the folacin molecule.

Pancreatic enzyme
An enzyme derived from fresh porcine pancreas which assists in the digestion of proteins and starch.

Pangamate
A compound formed when a mineral is combined with pangamic acid.

Papain
The protein-digesting enzyme derived from papaya.

Pellets (granules)
Small white spheres made of sucrose and lactose.  Neutral granules become medicated when impregnated with the active ingredient in the dilution selected.  They are packaged in tubes containing 80 granules.  The usual dosage is three to five granules at a time and the granules are dissolved under the tongue.

Phenylalanine
An essential amino acid converted to tyrosine in the body.

Phosphatidylcholine
Another name for lecithin.

Phytochemical
A general term referring to thousands of compounds naturally occurring in plant foods including Vitamins, Minerals, &

Phytoestrogen (Phytochemical)
A plant substance with activity similar to human estrogen, but with important differences. Like real estrogen, plant estrogens bind to estrogen receptors in cells, thereby preventing real estrogen from binding to these cells. Unlike real estrogen, however, plant estrogens do not stimulate cell growth, therefore, plant estrogens are believed to inhibit the growth of tumors that would normally be stimulated to grow by real estrogen.

Phytosome
A molecule created when an herbal substance is combined with phosphatidylcholine. The new molecule is both water-soluble and fat-soluble, for greater bioavailability and absorption.

Picolinate
A compound formed when a mineral is combined with picolinic acid.

Pituitary
A gland located at the base of the brain which produces hormones that regulate endocrine activity. Pituitary hormones affect the adrenal glands, thyroid, kidneys, and sexual glands.

Polypeptide fraction
Ten to one hundred amino acids chemically joined by a peptide bond.

Polysaccharide
A carbohydrate made up of a combination of monosaccharide molecules, such as starch, dextrin, glycogen, and cellulose.

Polysorbate 80

Potassium
The third most abundant element in the human body. This essential mineral is involved in acid-base balance, the transfer of nutrients into and out of cells, insulin secretion, muscle relaxation, and various enzyme reactions.

Precursor
A substance used by the body to form another compound.

Predigested soluble concentrate
A glandular extract that has been predigested using enzymes for greater bioavailability and easy absorption.

Probiotic
A general term used for supplements that do not kill bacteria directly (like antibiotics), but rather bolster the body's own defenses. It includes various vitamins & herbs that stimulate immune function, including Echinacea & Acidophilus. Although antibiotics can be effective in wiping out an infection, in the process they kill "good" bacteria within the intestine that help aid in digestion, & can cause stomach upset & vaginal yeast infections. Besides, antibiotics are not invincible. In fact, they can be rendered defenseless against antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Propolis
A resinous, waxy material collected by bees from the buds of trees.

Protease
A protein-digesting enzyme.

Proteolytic
Protein-digesting.

Provings
The proving of a remedy is all the physical and psychological afflictions exhibited by a healthy person during the testing of a remedy.  Precise knowledge of a remedy and its homeopathic effects results from its proving.

Potentization
A step in the production of homeopathic remedies that creates molecular movement between dilutions (100 succutions).

Raw Materials
A product, substance or complex from which homeopathic dilutions are derived.  Raw materials are of vegetable, animal, micro-organic, mineral or chemical origin.

Pyridoxal phosphate
A form of vitamin B6 which acts as a coenzyme in the brain for the production of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Pyridoxine
The scientific name for vitamin B6. 

Quercetin
A highly active bioflavonoid which is absorbed most effectively in combination with bromelain.

Raw glandulars
Glands and organs specially processed at temperatures not exceeding body heat and put into supplement form.

Riboflavin
The scientific name for vitamin B2.

RNA
Ribonucleic acid, molecules that put into action the messages from DNA for cells to fulfill their specific roles.

Rose hips
The fruit at the base of the rose bloom of plants in the Rosaceae family, an excellent source of vitamin C.

Rutin
A bioflavonoid obtained from buckwheat leaves. 

Seeds, Sprouting

Selenium
A rare trace mineral that protects cells against free-radical damage as part of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase.

Similitude
The law of similitude is the basis of homeopathic theory.  It means finding the remedy that when given to a healthy person during proving, produces the same symptoms as those seen in the patient.  For example, Ipeca causes a healthy person to vomit.  As a homeopathic remedy, IPECA is used to treat vomiting in a patient with symptoms of persistent nausea and excessive salivation.

Single-Dose
A quantity of homeopathic remedy meant to be taken at one time.  A single dose tube contains small white spheres of sucrose and lactose.

Squalene
An oil that was traditionally obtained from the liver of sharks. Today, however, it can be produced in smaller amounts from olive oil, wheat germ oil, & rice bran oil. It's very expensive for this reason. Used in burn treatments & in specialty skin care products for its emollient, healing & moisture protection.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
A surfactant that is used to alleviate dirt and grease, generating copiuos suds, and biodegrades quickly & completely. It is made by combining a sulfate group with lauryl alcohol from coconut oil, then attaching sodium. If improperly formulated, SLS can irritate skin. A good natural formula uses coco-betaine (coconut oil) & lauryl glycosides to counter irritation.

Soy

Sterol
One of a class of fatlike substances.

Succinate
A compound formed when a mineral is combined with succinic acid, an intermediate product in the Krebs cycle.

Tannins
Tannins are 2 large groups of complex substances that are widely distributed throughout the plant kingdom. They have an astringent or vegetables, nuts, legumes and wines. The terms tannins and tannic acid are often confused. There are two kinds of tannins. First, condensed tannins are a class of compounds called flavanols. These include catechins, epicatechins, and the powerful antioxidant, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). These compounds are the ones that provide teas with their healthful benefits. The second group of tannins, called hydrolysable tannins, is more prevalent, and includes tannic acid. They typically occur in the bark and fruit of trees, such as oak and sumac. These tannins are used in the dying and tanning industries and are not found in teas. Positive and negative health effects have been reported relating to the consumption of tannins. In living tissues tannins exhibit an astringent action. This is the basis for the historical use of tannins to treat diarrhea and burns. Other reported benefits include anti-viral effects and the inhibition of both tumor initiation and the mutagenicity of several carcinogens. In addition, tannins are reported to increase the retention of Vitamin C and to prevent the development of dental plaque. They appear to have antioxidant properties as well. On the other hand, high levels of tannins may inhibit the absorption of such nutrients as protein, iron and Vitamin A.

Taurine
A chemical present in bile.

Thiamine
The scientific name for vitamin B1.

Tocopherol
Any of four different forms (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, delta-) of vitamin E. Alpha-tocopherol has the greatest vitamin E activity. Synthetic dI-alpha-tocopherol has the same activity as natural alpha-tocopherol.

Trypsin/chymotrypsin
A digestive enzyme (formed in the small intestine) which breaks down polypeptides or proteins.

Tyrosine
A nonessential amino acid used to manufacture adrenal and thyroid hormones, and converted into the skin pigment melanin.

Unsaturated fatty acid
Any fatty acid containing one or more double bonds, including oleic, linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic acids.

Vanadium
A trace mineral involved in growth, reproduction, and red blood cells.

Vitamin
Any organic substance essential for the health, growth, reproduction, and maintenance of the body. Vitamins usually act as coenzymes or precursors of coenzymes in regulating metabolic processes, but do not provide energy.

Waldorf Education

Whey
Whey is a collective term referring to the serum or watery part of milk that remains after the manufacture of cheese. Whey can be transformed into a dry product by different techniques, and the quality of the product varies with the technology applied.
Dry whey is an off-white to cream-colored product with a characteristic whey flavor. It is manufactured by removing a substantial portion of water from fresh sweet or fresh acid whey. The whey is pasteurized and no preservatives are added. Except for moisture, all the constituents of fluid whey are retained in the same relative proportion in dry whey.
Two major types of whey are available as whey protein sources. In the United States, acid whey, with a pH of <5.1, is produced from cottage cheese manufacture. Sweet whey, with a pH of >5.6, results from rennet-coagulated cheese manufacture. Although the composition of each whey type is somewhat different and variable, both sweet and acid whey contain about 0.7%-0.8% protein on a liquid basis, with whey proteins only representing about 10%-12% of the total solids of whey.

Whey factor
The water and solids of milk that remain after the curd is removed; contains lactose, protein, minerals, enzymes, water-soluble vitamins, and traces of fat.

Zinc
An essential trace mineral needed for normal skin, bones, and hair; proper wound healing and insulin function; and enzyme systems involved in digestion and respiration.