Category: W

A low-growing, hardy perennial herb (Galium odoratum or Asperula odorata) used in alternative medicine to treat nervousness, insomnia, and cardiac irregularity. Liver damage has been reported in some patients after long-term use. A type of sweet herbaceous plant, commonly known as “Sweet Woodruff,” is a perennial herb that thrives in wooded areas throughout Europe. This…

Ultraviolet rays; used to detect fluorescent materials in the skin and hair in certain disease states such as tinea capitis. The terms Wood’s light and Wood’s lamp have become synonymous with Wood’s rays, even though these are misnomers.  

A 15-year study of the most common causes of death and disability in postmenopausal women. A substantial clinical research investigation, funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the National Cancer Institute of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, is currently underway to explore various aspects of women’s health. This comprehensive study encompasses…

Common name for several species of Aconitum, a genus of highly toxic, hardy perennials. Also called monkshood.  

A cyst lying in one of the broad ligaments of the uterus.  

A genus of bacteria that live only inside the cells of host insects. They have been associated with the blindness caused by Onchocerca volvulus.  

A species found in Canada and the northern United States.  

A species found in southeast Europe. The larvae may occur in human and animal wounds.  

A genus of flies parasitic in animal tissue, belonging to the family Sarcophagidae, order Diptera.  

A mixture of enzymes, including chymotrypsin and trypsin (obtained from cow and pig pancreas) and papain (from papaya) used as anti-inflammatory and anticancer treatments, especially in the treatment of multiple myeloma.