|
TANNINS are a large group of
compounds found in the leaves, fruits, stems, and barks of specific plants,
including certain teas. Long-term exposure to tannins may be carcinogenic.
Compounds found in milk decrease the carcinogenic properties.
TARAXASTEROL is a monohydroxy
triterpene found in arnica, burdock, chicory, and dandelion.
TARAXEROLS are triterpenes found in
dandelion root and bayberry bark.
TENDONS are composed of collagen
fibers arranged in a parallel fashion, forming structures which connect muscle
to bone. Muscles always have tendons interposed between them and the bone;
muscle fibers never directly attach to bone.
TETANY is a nervous affection
characterized by intermittent tonic spasms, usually involving the extremities.
It is most frequently found in the young and is also associated with pregnancy
or lactation. Tetany is induced by changes in PH and extracellular calcium
which increase nervous and muscular excitability. Causative factors are
parathyroid deficiency, alkalosis or vitamin D deficiency. Tetany is
characterized by nervousness, irritability, apprehension, numbness, tingling,
and muscle cramps. Various forms exist.
THUJONE (absinthol) is a compound
which is a constituent of many essential oils and volatile oils. It is found in
absinthium, caraway, licorice root, peppermint (and other mints), sage,
sassafras, and yarrow.
THYME (Thymus vulgaris), Family:
Libiatae - A perennial plant with numerous procumbent stems, 6 to 12 inches
high, covered with fine hair and pale brown bark. The leaves are small,
opposite, sessile, and gray-green with slightly rolled edges. The small,
blue-purple flowers are two-lipped and grow in dense, whorled clusters,
blooming from May to September. Habitat: native to the Mediterranean region and
widely cultivated in Europe and the United States. It prefers limy, sandy, and
well-drained soil with sufficient sunlight.
Common names: Common thyme, Garden thyme,
Whooping cough herb
Medicinal parts: leaves and flowering tops
- dried.
For more information see the HERBS section
of the Nutrition Notebook.
THYMOL , a phenol, is a camphor
extract found in oregano, arnica, damiana, and other plants. It is used to
eradicate mold and plantanum parasites, to preserve anatomical specimens, and
in embalming. Thymol has been used clinically as an agent against fungus,
intestinal worms, parasites, jaw and lung tumors and athlete's foot.
Pharmaceutically it is used as an antifungal agent.
THYMUS - The thymus attains full size
in the second year of life, at which time it ceases to grow, gradually
atrophying until it disappears. When present, the gland can be found in the
neck region in front of the trachea. It is an endocrine gland which secretes
thymic hormone. Thymic hormone is involved in the proliferation and
differentiation of white blood cells.
THYROID - The thyroid gland is
located at the front and sides of the neck, situated on the larynx and trachea.
It has two lateral lobes, connected across the neck. The thyroid gland is an
endocrine gland, which secretes calcitonin. Calcitonin is involved in
decreasing blood calcium.
TONIC - a tonic is an agent which
strengthens or tones.
TOXIC WASTE: Hospital cooking.
TRACHEA - The trachea is a tube about
four and a half inches long which extends from the larynx to the esophagus. It
is connected to the trachea at about the area where the larynx is located. It
functions as a tube for air to pass through from the external environment to
the lungs. It is composed of C-shaped cartilage rings which are embedded in the
smooth muscle. The cartilage prevents the trachea from collapsing and closing
off the airway.
TRIACONTANE is a paraffin found in
alfalfa, coriander, damiana, and marjoram.
TRIGLYCERIDES - The main type of
fatty substance found in the fat tissue of the body, and the main dietary fat
storage warehouse. The basic structure is a glycerin backbone with three fatty
acid legs. A high level of blood triglycerides, known as hypertriglyceridemia,
is associated with atherosclerosis, both of which in turn can be complications
of diabetes. A diet high in Omega-3 can lower triglycerides by as much as 79%
in persons afflicted with high plasma triglyceride levels.
TRIGONELLINE is an alkaloid found in
fenugreek and other plants. Trigonelline has shown hypoglycemic activity on
experimental animals. It is also one of the flavor precursors in coffee broken
down during roasting, which creates the aroma of coffee.
TRISKAIDEKAPHOBIA: Fear of the number
thirteen. |
