- Eclectics
- A group of college-trained physicians, from the early 20th century, whose practices were based on a wide variety of techniques.
The group was founded by Dr. Wooster Beech (1794-1868) in the 1830s. Dr. Beech had studied both herbal and conventional medicine and tried to combine the new scientific knowledge of physiology and pathology with the best of herbal tradition. He rejected Samuel Thomson’s theories of simple Native American herbal medicine as being oversimplistic and strived to use the lowest dosages possible to achieve good results. His approach was so successful that at the height of Eclecticism in 1909, more than 8,000 members were in practice, all with recognized medical qualifications.
- Eczema
- Chronic skin inflammations.
- Edema
- Excessive accumulation of fluid in tissues: dropsy.
- Effusion
- The seeping of serum-like or bloody fluid into a cavity.
- Electuary
- An herbal preparation that is mixed with honey.
- Elixir
- A substance that contains alcohol or glycerin and used as a solution for bitter or nauseating drugs.
- Eleutherosides
- Compounds found in Siberian ginseng.
They increase stamina, stimulate the appetite, and increase physical and mental vigor. They stimulate metabolism, the immune system, and the central nervous system. Eleutherosides are also helpful in combating some of the problems of menopause, including irregular periods and hot flashes.
- Emesis
- Vomited matter.
- Emetic
- An agent that causes vomiting.
- Emeto-cathartic
- An agent that causes both vomiting and emptying of the bowels.
- Emmenagogue
- A substance that induces or increases menstrual flow.
- Emollient
- An agent that softens or smooths the skin.
When used internally, it is called a demulcent.
- Emulsify
- The dispersement of large globules, usually fat globules, into smaller, uniformly distributed particles.
- Emulsifying Wax
- A substance used to emulsify oil and water in creams.
- Enzymes
- Complex proteins produced in living cells that catalyze specific biochemical reactions.
They are present in all herbs that have not been exposed to high temperatures or to alcohol during preparation. The presence of enzymes is essential in order to activate the phtochemicals and other nutrients in the herbs. They are also very important for improving the absorption action, and bioavailability of these herbs in the body. If destruction of enzymes during the processing of the herbal preparations has taken place, it is important to take enzyme supplements in addition to the herbs. These supplements should contain a combination of proteases (enzymes that work on proteins), lipases (enzymes that break up fats), and amylases (enzymes that break up carbohydrates).
- Epiphyte
- A nonparasitic plant growing upon another for support.
- Epistaxis
- A bleeding attack from the nose.
- Escharotic
- A caustic or corrosive substance.
- Essential Fatty Acids (omega 3s and 6s that cannot be manufactured in the body)
- Plant products that maintain the intergrity of cell membranes and of myelin sheaths, as well as stimulating the production of prostaglandins, lowering blood cholesterol, and strengthening immunity.
They can be found in many herbs including saw palmetto.
- Essential Oils
- Actually waste products found within the glandular cells of certain plants.
They are a volatile oil obtained from leaves, stems, flowers, or other parts of the plant and usually carry the odour characteristic of the plant. Several families contain an abundance of essential oils, including the following: Umbellifereae, Pinnaceae, Tutaceae, Sabiateae, Myrtaceae, and Compositae. Such families as Equisetaceae are almost devoid of essential essences. Essential oils are extracted from herbs, using steam distillation or cold pressing. They should not to be taken internally without professional guidance, and, because they are very strong, should be diluted with a carrier oil before being placed on the skin.
- Estrogenic
- Related to, or having a similar action as, the female hormone estrogen.
- Evergreen
- A plant that maintains functional green foliage throughout the year.
- Exfolliant
- A product or ingredient whose purpose is to remove unwanted tissue or waste products from the skin and other body surfaces.
- Expectorant
- An agent that promotes or facilitates secretion or expulsion of mucus from the mucous membranes of the air passages, making it easier to cough up.
