SUPPLEMENT LANGUAGE AND DEFINITIONS

ABSORPTION - The uptake by the body of a supplement, drug or other substance through the digestive tract, skin or mucous membranes.

AMINO ACIDS - Chemical substances, found in foods and produced in the body which are used to build protein.

ANTIFUNGAL - A drug that combats infections caused by a fungus.

ANTIOXIDANT - A substance that protects cells from the damaging effects of oxygen molecules called free radicals.

ANTISEPTIC - An infection-fighting herb, drug or other substance.

CHRONIC - Persistent or long term.

COENZYME - A substance that acts in concert with enzymes to speed up chemical reactions in the body.

DIURETIC - A substance that draws water from the body and increases the total output of urine.

ENZYME - A protein that speeds up specific chemical reactions and processes in the body, such digestion and energy production.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID - The building blocks that the body uses to make fats.

ESSENTIAL OIL - A concentrated oil extracted from herbs or other plants.

EXTRACT - A pill, powder, tincture, or other form of an herb that contains a concentrated amount of therapeutic ingredients.

GRAM (g)- A metric measure of weight, sometimes used in dosages; there are 1000 milligrams (mg) in 1 gram and 28.35 grams in an ounce.

HERB - A plant or plant part, such as the leaves, stems, roots, bark, buds or flowers that can be used for medicinal or other purposes.

MILLIGRAM (mg) - A metric measure of weight used in dosages. There are 1000 mg in 1 gram.

MINERAL - An inorganic substance found in the earth's crust that plays a crucial role in the human body for enzyme creation, regulation of heart rhythm, bone formation, digestion, and other metobolic processes.

SUBLINGUAL - A type of supplement, such as Vitamin B12, formulated to dissolve in the mouth, providing quick absorption into the bloodstream without interference from stomach acids.

VITAMIN - An organic substance that plays an essential role in regulating the cell functions throughout the body.