hydragogue

[ hahy-druh-gawg, -gog ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

hydragogue

/ ˈhaɪdrəˌɡɒɡ /

1630–40; < Latin hydragōgus < Greek hydragōgós water-conveying, equivalent to hydr- hydr- ¹ + agōgós leading, guiding ( -agogue )

Used as a drastic hydragogue in dropsies; and in scrofula, &c.

The seeds contain an oil that is official in all Pharmacopœias as one of the most powerful hydragogue cathartics.

Cathartics, especially those of a hydragogue nature, are also very beneficial.

It is the most active hydragogue purgative known, causing also much depression and violent griping.

Gamboge (Cambogia) is a drastic hydragogue cathartic, causing much griping and irritation of the intestine.

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