Glossary: Integrative Medicine and Nutrition

Demeter

In Greek mythology, the mother of Persephone and the goddess of the harvest.

Demulcent

A soothing herb taken to allay inflammation from dry, irritated tissue. Usually used for irritating and dry respiratory conditions, as well to soothe discomfort in conditions such as urinary tract infection. Common demulcent herbs include Cornsilk (Zea Mays L.), Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.) and Slippery elm bark (Ulmus rubra Muhl.).

Deprescribing

Deprescribing is the planning, process, protocols and support needed to help a patient or client reduce or stop the use of medications that are causing more harm than good or are no longer needed.

Derealization

The sense of the external world not being real or seen through a fog or a curtained window.

Detoxification

The physiological or medicinal removal of toxic substances from a living organism, including the human body, which is mainly carried out by the liver.

Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD)

Trauma beginning in childhood that is often prolonged and inescapable that can lead to lifelong physical and emootional challenges as well as psychological resilience. (See Complex Trauma).

Dietary fiber

Edible parts of plants or other carbohydrates that are resistant to digestion and absorption in the small intestine; fermentation, complete or partial in the large intestine.

Dissociation

A symptom of PTSD characterized by a sense of discontinuity between a person’s memories, thoughts, feelings, and sense of self. Experiences of dissociation range from absorption and imagination to dissociative amnesia, and may include symptoms of depersonalization and derealization.

DMT

N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a serotonin/melatonin analog. It is endogenous in the human brain and also found in plants around the world. Well-known as one of the components of the shamanic vision-producing “spirit vine” brew, “ayahuasca,” used ritually by indigenous peoples of South America and more recently by seekers of healing from the addictions.

Dysphoria

A psychological condition characterized by feelings of intense depression.