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Home › Health › Herbs › Glossary › G

G

Galactagogue
A substance that increases milk secretions.

Gargle
An antiseptic liquid used to rinse the mouth and throat; a mouthwash.

Gelatin
A colourless, odourless, tasteless glue, and a rich source of water-soluble protein obtained by boiling animal bones.

It is used in eye ointments and nail-hardening lotions. Agar agar is the vegetable substitute.

Genus
A category of closely related species ranking below family and above species.

Gingerols
Antioxidants and improve digestion of proteins and fats.

They also soothe the stomach and fights liver toxicity and inflammation. They are the active constituents of ginger.

Ginkolic acid
Another antioxidant, found in ginkgo biloba, which improves circulation and mental clarity, treats depression, and fights cancer.

Glaucous
Covered with fine, white, often waxy film, which rubs off.

Gluten
One of the proteins in certain grains, particularly wheat, that gives dough its tough, elastic character.

Glucosilinates
Substances found exclusively in the mustard species of plants (e.g., mustard greens and radishes), having an irritant effect on the skin causing inflammation and blistering.

Applied as a poultice to painful or aching joints, they increase blood flow to the affected area, helping to remove the build-up of waste products, which are a contributory factor in joint problems. Glucosilinates also help to reduce thyroid function.





Glycerin
A thick, colourless, odourless syrup, and a byproduct of soap manufacturing.

It mixes well with water, is soluble in alcohol, and has softening properties. It is used as glycerol.

Glycerol
A syrupy liquid prepared by hydrolysis of fats and oils for use as skin lotions. It is used as glycerin.

Glycosides
A complex group of chemicals which contain in their chemical bonding one non-sugar part (aglycyn) and one or more sugar parts.

There are several types of glycosides, but the most common are the digitalis (cardio-active), anthraquinone (laxative), salicylic (pain-killers), thiocyanate (for poor circulation), flavonoid (prevents internal bleeding), and phenolic glycosides (reduces fever, controls muscle spasms, diuretic). Most glycosides have a powerful action on the heart and should be used with great discretion and knowledge. Glycosides are also considered to be sugar ethers. They are soluble in alcohol and water.

Glycyrrhizins
The protective phytochemicals found in licorice.

They have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor formation, and skin protective qualities.

Gravel
Small concretations formed in the kidneys, often called kidney stones.

Grippe
Influenza.

Gum
A class of carbohydrates which swell in the presence of water and which increases the thickness of water-based products.

They exudate with an insipid taste. They are insoluble in alcohol.

Gymnosperm
A member of the division of seed plants having ovules on open scales, especially cones.




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