TERMINOLOGY

DEFINITION

Arteriosclerosis

Thickening, hardening and loss of elasticity of the arterial walls. This can be caused by ingestion of substances that affect heart function or a defect of the same.

Arthritis

Inflammation of bone joints. Can be caused by microorganisms or injury especially during strenuous exercise. It is very painful especially when one tries to move the joint and is characterized by swelling, warmth, stiffness and redness of the overlying skin of the affected part.

Asthma

The condition of subjects with widespread narrowing of the bronchial airways, which changes in severity over short periods of time and leads to coughs, wheezing and difficulty in breathing. If asthmatic attacks are not controlled, during the cold season when they become severe, death can occur. May be caused by an allergy, respiratory illness or stress.

Astringent

A substance that causes contraction of tissues or cells. Bleeding is therefore reduced due to constriction of blood vessels. They have a bitter taste, as the usual active constituents are tannins. Astringents protect inflamed mucous membranes, reduces swellings during infection, prevent bleeding from small wounds and reduce uterine bleeding. They also have a binding effect in the gut relieving diarrhea, dysentery, colitis etc.

Atherosclerosis

A form of arteriosclerosis in which fatty materials or plaques especially cholesterol from animal fats, are deposited within and beneath the innermost lining of the arterial wall gradually narrowing it and making it difficult for the normal volume of blood to pass through. This often leads to high blood pressure or can bring on a heart attack.

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)

A non-cancerous enlargement of the prostrate glands that occurs in the later years and tends to obstruct the urethra at the neck of the bladder.

Bile Disorders

Pathological conditions related to the biliary system

Bloating

An uncomfortable feeling of fullness caused by either the accumulation of gas in the Gastrointestinal tract that is trapped or water retention

Blood Clots

The sticking of blood cells: platelets enabling them to form clots and cling better to blood vessel walls. They account for 80-90% of all heart attacks and strokes.

Blood disorders

Pathological conditions related to the blood.

Blood thinner/

Anti-coagulant

A substance that when ingested, prevents the blood from thickening or forming clots hence preventing complications like stroke from blocked blood vessels.

Bronchitis

Acute or chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Chronic bronchitis is degenerative and the bronchial tubes become thick and narrow, with sticky mucus. Eventually may cause inability to breath and may be fatal.