Creations from Eden-Glossary

FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $200!!! (some restrictions apply)

Glossary:

Analgesic: Analgesics relieve pain.

Anti-inflammatory: refers to the property of a substance or treatment that reduces inflammation

Antimicrobial: is a substance that kills or inhibits the growth of microbes such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Antimicrobial drugs either kill microbes (microbicidal) or prevent the growth of microbes (microbistatic).

A ntioxidant: A substance, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, or beta carotene, thought to protect body cells from the damaging effects of oxidation.

Antiseptic: are antimicrobial substances that are applied to living tissue/skin to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction. They should generally be distinguished from antibiotics that destroy bacteria within the body, and from disinfectants, which destroy microorganisms found on non-living objects. Some antiseptics are true germicides, capable of destroying microbes (bacteriocidal), whilst others are bacteriostatic and only prevent or inhibit their growth. Antibacterials are antiseptics that only act against bacteria.

Astringent: (also spelled adstringent) substance is a chemical that tends to shrink or constrict body tissues, usually locally after topical medicinal application. The word "astringent" derives from Latin astringere, meaning "to bind fast". Two common examples are calamine lotion and witch hazel.

Bactericide: or bacteriocide is a substance that kills bacteria and, preferably, nothing else. Bactericides are either disinfectants, antiseptics or antibiotics.

Carminative:Inducing the expulsion of gas from the stomach and intestines.

Cholagogue: Any agent that causes an increased flow of bile into the intestine.

Cicatrisant: helps wounds to heal.

ComodegenicCauses clogging of pores.

Cordial: A stimulant

Demulcent: (derived from the word "caress") is an agent that forms a soothing film over a mucous membrane, relieving minor pain and inflammation of the membrane.

Detergent: Synthetic washing agent that helps to remove dirt and oil.

Disinfectants: are antimicrobial agents that are applied to non-living objects to destroy microorganisms, the process of which is known as disinfection. Disinfectants should generally be distinguished from antibiotics that destroy microorganisms within the body, and from antiseptics, which destroy microorganisms on living tissue.

Diuretic: is any drug that elevates the rate of bodily urine excretion (diuresis). There are several categories of diuretics. All diuretics increase the excretion of water from the body, although each class of diuretic does so in a distinct way.

Emmenagogue: An agent that induces or hastens menstrual flow. Also called hemagogue.

Emollient: are substances that soften and soothe the skin. They are used to correct dryness and scaling of the skin.

Emulsifier: is a mixture of two immiscible (unblendable) substances. One substance (the dispersed phase) is dispersed in the other (the continuous phase). Used to mix oil based and water based products in creams and lotions.

Exfoliant: in cosmetology is a cosmetic technique aimed at improving skin's appearance by removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.

Fungicide: an agent that destroys fungi or inhibits their growth.

Germicidal: bactericidal: preventing infection by inhibiting the growth or action of microorganisms

Humectant: Also called a hydrator; a humectant is an ingredient that attracts water to the skin.

Opacifier: is a substance added to a material in order to make the ensuing system opaque.

Preservative: is a natural or synthetic chemical that is added to products such as foods, pharmaceuticals, paints, biological samples, wood, etc. to prevent decomposition by microbial growth or by undesirable chemical changes.

Rubefacient: external use. An agent to draw a rich blood supply to the skin, increasing heat to the tissues to aid the body in absorption of properties from creams, lotions etc.

Sebum: Sebaceous glands secrete an oily substance called sebum (Latin, meaning fat or tallow) that is made of fat (lipids) and the debris of dead fat-producing cells.

Solvent: is a liquid that dissolves a solid, liquid, or gaseous solute, resulting in a solution.

Stimulant: an agent that excites or quickens a process or activity of the body.

Sudorific: Causing or increasing sweat.

Surfactant: also known as tensides, are wetting agents that lower the surface tension of a liquid, allowing easier spreading, and lower the interfacial tension between two liquids.

Vasoconstrictor: nerve, agent or substance that narrows blood vessels.

Vasodilator: is a drug or chemical that relaxes the smooth muscle in blood vessels, which causes them to dilate. Dilation of arterial blood vessels (mainly arterioles) leads to a decrease in blood pressure.

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Schools, Clubs & Societies please inquire about your reduced rate!!!

The information in this website is for educational purposes only!
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or replace the advice of a qualified practitioner.

Owned and operated by Randi Carr