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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.

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