Purgation Health Dictionary

(Linn.) Roth

Synonym: Convolvulus bilobatus Roxb. Convolvulus nil Linn.

Family: Convolvulaceae.

Habitat: Throughout India; also occurs as a weed.

English: Pharbitis seeds.

Ayurvedic: Antah-kotarpushpi, Kaalaanjani (provisional synonym), Krishnabija, Kaalaadaanaa, Shyaamabija, Shankhani, Jhaara- maaricha.

Unani: Kaalaadaanaa.

Siddha/Tamil: Kaakkattan.

Action: Purgative and blood- purifier. A substitute for Jalap. Seeds—antifungal.

The seeds from Pakistan contain al- kaloids—lysergol, chanoclavine, pen- niclavine, isopenniclavine and elymo- clavine. Also contain 14.2% resin and glucosides.

Commercial samples of the drug contain 14-15% of crude resinous matter. Research has shown that glycosi- dal part of the resin is inert; the non- glycosidal resin (2% of the drug) causes copious purgation in doses of 250 mg. Besides the resinous matter, the seeds contain a fixed oil (12.4%) and small amounts of saponin, mucilage and tannin.

The flowers of the plant contains an- thocyanin pigments.

The plant extract exhibited hypogly- caemic activity in rats.

Dosage: Seed—3-6 g powder. (CCRAS.)

Synonym: I. hederacea auct., non- Jacq.... ipomoea nil

(Linn.) Silva Manso.

Synonym: Ipomoea turpethum R. Br.

Family: Convolvulaceae.

Habitat: Throughout India up to 1,000 m; occasionally grown in gardens.

English: Indian Jalap, Turpeth.

Ayurvedic: Trivrta, Trivrtaa, Trib- handi, Triputaa, Saralaa, Suvahaa,

Rechani, Nishotra, Kumbha, Kaalaa, Shyaama, Shyaamaa.

Unani: Turbud, Nishoth.

Siddha/Tamil: Karunchivadai.

Action: Root—purgative, antiinflammatory (particularly used in rheumatic and paralytic affections; also in fevers, oedema, hepatic and haemophilic diseases).

White Turpeth is preferred to Black Turpeth as cathartic; the latter produces drastic purgation and causes vomiting, fainting and giddiness. White Turpeth is derived from Mars- denia tenacissima in folk medicine.

The active principle of O. turpethum is a glycosidic resin present in the drug up to 10%. It is similar to jalap resin and is concentrated mostly in the root bark. It contains an ether insoluble glycoside, turpethin, which constitutes about half of the resin and two ether soluble gly- cosides, alpha-and beta-turpethein (8 and 6% respectively).

Dosage: Root—1-3 g powder. (API, Vol. III.)... operculina turpethum

Guapi bark. Grape bark. Guarea rusbyi Rusby. Action: expectorant BHP (1983). Emetic.

Uses: Chronic bronchitis. Dry cough.

Preparations: Thrice daily.

Powder: dose, half-1 gram.

Liquid Extract. BPC (1973), dose half-1ml.

Tincture, BHC, 1:10 in 60 per cent alcohol, dose 5 to 10ml.

Large doses cause vomiting and purgation. ... cocillana

An infection caused by a tapeworm Echinococcus granulosis, which infests cattle, foxes, sheep and especially dogs from which it finds its way into humans by contaminated food. Eggs pass through the wall of the gut to develop in body tissue as a hydatid cyst. Many years may pass before symptoms reveal its presence. Surgical operation is the only effective cure although certain vermifuges, taken from time to time, create in the intestine an inhospitable environment for the parasite: Wormwood, Malefern, Fennel, Pumpkin seeds; given in capsule or powder form. Such worms deplete reserves of Vitamin B12 and may cause megaloblastic anaemia.

Supplementation. Vitamin B12.

HYDRAGOGUE. A herbal cathartic that causes watery evacuation and drastic purgation. White Bryony, American Mandrake. (Practitioner use only) ... hydatid disease

 Irrigation of the low bowel.

When elimination of body wastes is held up by a chronically-overloaded bowel general health may suffer. A constipated colon, with accumulations of hard faeces, obstructs peristalsis and loses its ability to evacuate effectively. Toxaemia follows, with gross interference of digestion of food.

As contents putrefy, toxins are re-absorbed, poisoning the blood. Such self-induced disease may lie at the root of sluggish liver function, skin disease, blood pressure, and aches in muscles similating rheumatism.

To clean out a clogged colon, injection of a herbal tea into the rectum not only proves effective but brings about a healthful purgation and release from tension. 2-3oz herb is brought to the boil in 1 gallon water, simmered for one minute, and allowed to cool. The tea is strained when warm and injected.

Enema herbs include: Soapwort, Chamomile, Marshmallow, Catmint, Raspberry leaves, Chickweed. Alternative: 20-30 drops Tincture Myrrh added to boiled water allowed to cool. ... hydrotherapy, colon