B
- Balsam
- A resinous semi-solid mass or viscous liquid exuded from a plant.
A true balsam is characterized by its high content of aromatic substances of benzoic acid, benzoates, cinnamic acid, or cinnamates.
- Basal Rosette
- Leaves radiating directly from the crown of the root.
- Bechic
- Anything that relieves or cures coughs; or referring to cough.
- Beeswax
- An emulsifier for oil and water in creams and ointments and usually sold in blocks.
To make measuring easier, line an egg carton with foil, melt the wax gently and place a teaspoon or tablespoon into each compartment. When it has solidified, remove and wrap in the foil.
- Benzoin
- An astringent and antiseptic preservative.
- Bergapten
- A chemical in the furano-coumarin q.v. group found in a number of herbs, including celery seed.
- Berry
- A small, fleshy fruit or dry seed or kernel of various plants.
- Beta Blocker
- Any substance that decreases heart activity by affecting receptors of the sympathetic nervous system.
- Beta Carotene
- Pro-vitamin A; a plant carotene which can be converted to two vitamin A molecules.
- Biennial
- The two-year cycle of a plant in which the vegetative growth in the first year is followed by fruiting and dying during the second year.
- Bile
- The greenish liver secretion that is stored in the gallbladder until released to emulsify fats in the small intestine.
- Bile Stimulant
- That which encourages the thick, bitter fluid secreted by the liver and stored in the gall bladder until it is needed to digest fats.
- Binomial
- The standard scientific name for an organism in Latin.
- Bitters
- A group of organic plant chemicals that are characterized by being extremely bitter to taste (although not always unpleasant), rarely poisonous, and nitrogenous.
Bitter principles are found throughout the entire plant kingdom, but two families, Asteraceae (Compositae) and Gentianaceae, are utilized the most, in a medicinal sense, for their bitter substances. Bitters stimulate the secretions by the salivary glands and digestive organs, making them an effective aid to the digestive process. Such secretions can dramatically improve the appetite and absorption of nutrients; consequently, the body is nourished and strengthened.
- Borax
- A white, crystalline, mineral powder used as an emulsifier. Since it is potentially toxic, it must be kept away from children and can be omitted from recipes.
- Botany
- A branch of biology dealing with life, structure, growth, and classification of plants.
- Bract
- A leaflike structure growing below or encircling a flower cluster or flower.
- Bran
- A product used in face masks, soaps, and body scrubs as a cleanser.
- Bromeliad
- A member of the pineapple family of plants, usually epiphytic (requires support from another plant), with stiff leathery leaves, and spikes of bright flowers.
- Bryophyte
- Any member of the division of nonvascular plants, including mosses and liverworts.
- Bryophyte Nut
- The dry, single-seeded fruit of various trees and shrubs, consisting of a kernel enclosed in a hard, tough shell.
- Bud
- The dormant, underground stage of some plants.
