Category: A
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Astigmatism
A defect of the cornea or lens of the eye that causes blurred vision. A condition that occurs because the cornea (outer lens of the eye) is not the correct spherical shape. Light rays from an object do not focus on the retina; they focus in front of or behind the retina, so the object…
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Achilles tendinitis
Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the bones of the foot. This stress injury is most often due to tight calf muscles and is common among runners. A painful inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscles of the legs to the heel bones. The Achilles tendon raises and…
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Autogenic training
A meditative relaxation technique invented by German psychiatrist Johannes Heinrich Schultz in the 1930s that can be used to help relieve stress-induced disorders. A system of physical and mental relaxation that employs self-suggestion to effect a physiological change through changes in the autonomic nervous system. A form of self-regulation developed by Johannes Schulz (early 20th…
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Arnica
A medicinal herb belonging to the sunflower family that is often used in tinctures or creams. Available at health food stores and some pharmacies. Protected wildflower of Switzerland. Tincture is applied externally for bruises, burns and inflammations. A perennial herb, Arnica montana, used in ointments and as a homeopathic remedy to promote healing, for pain,…
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Alum
A water-soluble, nontoxic chemical compound often used in pickling and preserving. Available at grocery stores. A double sulfate of aluminum and potassium or aluminum and ammonia; used as an astringent and styptic. Alum, a compound of aluminum and potassium, forms a double sulphate salt that possesses a potent astringent impact. The salt manifests in the…
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Almond bran
Ground almond skin that is rich in anti-oxidants. Available at health food stores. Almond skin that has been ground and is abundant in antioxidants. You can purchase it at health food stores.
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Kola Nut
The bitter seed of the African Kola tree that is about the size of a chestnut and has a high caffeine content. Hailing from Africa, the Kola tree produces a nut that is commonly chewed by natives to obtain its caffeine content. Kola nuts are utilized in pharmaceuticals and also serve as an essential ingredient…
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Australian tea tree
Evergreen shrub native to Australia. Australian Tea Tree also known as Victoria Tea Tree.
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Arrowroot
A tropical herb grown for its fleshy roots which yield a nutritious starch rich in calcium and carbohydrates. Arrowroot also known as Coontie, Bermuda Arrowroot, Maranta, Natal Arrowroot, and St. Vincent Arrowroot. Arrowroot is a polysaccharide derived from the rhizomes of several species of Central American plants. This versatile ingredient, when ground to a fine…
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Arabian chaste berries
Berries of a tree native to the Mediterranean.