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Page 101
| Cathartic A strong, purging laxative. |
| Cholagogue Stimulates bile flow from the gall bladder and bile ducts into the duodenum. |
| Cholesterol A fatlike material present in the blood and most tissues that is an important constituent of cell membranes, steroidal hormones, and bile salts. Excess cholesterol has been blamed for the build-up of fatty deposits in the blood vessels seen in arteriosclerosis. |
| Choleretic Increases the secretion of bile by the liver. |
| Circulatory stimulant Increases blood flow. |
| Cleansing herb A herb that improves the excretion of waste products from the body. |
| Cooling A term used to describe herbs that are often bitter or relaxing and will help to reduce internal heat and hyperactivity. |
| D |
| Decongestant Relieves congestion, usually nasal. |
| Demulcent Softens and soothes damaged or inflamed surfaces, such as the gastric mucous membranes. |
| Diaphoretic Increases sweating. |
| Diuretic Encourages urine flow. |
| Doctrine of Signatures A medieval theory that argued that the appearance of plants contained clues to their medicinal properties in their appearance. Similar beliefs are found in most cultures worldwide. |
| E |
| Emetic Causes vomiting. |
| Emmenagogue A uterine stimulant that encourages menstrual flow; excess may lead to miscarriage in pregnancy. |
| Emollient Softens and soothes the skin. |
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