Organic Terms Glossary

Peristalsis

Peristalsis is the rhythmic contraction of smooth muscles to propel contents through the digestive tract.

Pharmacology

The science of detection and measurement of the effects of drugs or other chemicals on biological systems. The effect of chemicals may be beneficial (therapeutic) or harmful (toxic). The pure chemicals or mixtures may be of natural origin (plant, animal, or mineral) or may be synthetic compounds.

Phytochemicals

"Phyto" is a Greek word that means plant and phytochemicals are usually related to plant pigments. Phytochemicals are compounds in plant-derived foods that have biological activity in the body. Phytochemicals naturally occur in vegetables and fruit. In broad terms, they can be said to be any chemical or nutrient derived from a plant source. It is well known that plant produce these chemicals to protect itself but recent research demonstrate that they can protect humans against diseases. Some of the well-known phytochemicals are lycopene in tomatoes, isoflavones in soya and flavanoids in fruits. They are not essential nutrients and are not required by the human body for sustaining life. Pronounced "fight-o-chemicals," phytochemicals fight to protect your health. They can have complementary and overlapping mechanisms of action in the body, including antioxidant effects, modulation of detoxification enzymes, stimulation of the immune system, modulation of hormone metabolism, and antibacterial and antiviral effect.

Poultice

The word poultice is derived from the Latin word pulta and the Greek word poltos, both meaning porridge. Also called a cataplasm. A soft moist mass about the consistency of cooked porridge that is spread on cloth and applied warm to create moist local heat or counter irritation.

Psyllium :: Organic Psyllium

Psyllium is a seed used for medicinal purposes taken from the common fleawort, Plantago psyllium. There are about 250 species of the genus Plantago found worldwide. Psyllium has been used in Ayurvedic medicine in India and in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Psyllium has three major uses that have been well documented by modern scientific research. These include the treatment of diarrhea, the relief of constipation, and the lowering of serum cholesterol levels.

Psyllium seed is high in dietary fiber, making it a good bulk laxative for treating chronic constipation. It is also used to soften stools and ease bowel movements after operations involving the anus and rectum, when hemorrhoids or anal fissures are present; or during pregnancy to lessen the strain of bowel movements.

Know more about Psyllium.

Punarnava

Botanical name of this plant is Boerhaavia diffusa. Boerhavia - name of a discoverer diffusa – which spreads or widely spreading. Punarnava helps maintain efficient kidney function. The root of this plant is a powerful Rasayana. It is good for the kidneys, especially the nephron cells which are damaged by long-term hyperglycemia.