turpeth

(ˈtɜːpɪθ)

1. (Plants) a convolvulaceous plant, Operculina turpethum, of the East Indies, having roots with purgative properties

2. (Pharmacology) the root of this plant or the drug obtained from it

[C14: from Medieval Latin turbithum, ultimately from Arabic turbid]

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On editing medical fragments from the Cairo Geniza

The Apiaceae includes species such as the visnaga (Ammi visnaga), whose fruits act as diuretics and vasodilators; aniseed (Anethum graveolens) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), used as condiments in cookery and for a variety of therapeutic purposes; and giant fennel (Ferula communis) and turpeth root (Thapsia garganica), whose roots are used as pain relievers, powerful purgatives, and antidotes to poisons, although at high doses they are toxic.

3 Humans in the hot deserts and subdeserts

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