scammony

[ skam-uh-nee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, plural scam·mo·nies.

scammony

/ skæˈməʊnɪɪt; ˈskæmənɪ /

a twining Asian convolvulus plant, Convolvulus scammonia, having arrow-shaped leaves, white or purple flowers, and tuberous roots
a resinous juice obtained from the roots of this plant and having purgative properties
any of various similar medicinal resins or the plants that yield them

before 1000; Middle English scamonie, Old English < Latin scamōnia < Greek skamōnía

Old English, via Latin from Greek skammōnia, of obscure origin

When pure or virgin scammony can be procured it is an unnecessary preparation.

Thus Scammony does not act so well, and does not gripe, when the bowels are lined with mucus.

This is probably the case with such as Castor-oil, Scammony, and Jalap, which are simply cathartic in their action.

The resins of Jalap, Scammony, and other such substances, are affirmed to pass out along with them.

Thou cleanest the stomach like scammony, the lungs like hyssop; thou purgest the head like pyrethrig.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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