Purgative Collection

Caffeine crystals, light micrograph
Caffeine crystals. Polarised light micrograph of crystals of caffeine (1, 3, 7-trimethylxanthine). Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system increasing alertness and deferring fatigue

Hellebore flowers (Helleborus sp.). This plant is poisonous, but preparations made from it have been used in herbal medicine for centuries

Hellebore flowers (Helleborus sp.). This plant is poisonous, but preparations made from it have been used in herbal medicine for centuries

Caffeine crystals, light micrograph
Caffeine crystals. Polarised light micrograph of crystals of caffeine (1, 3, 7- trimethylxanthine). Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system increasing alertness and deferring fatigue

The Anatomy of Melancholy' London
5307244 The Anatomy of Melancholy' London.; (add.info.: Frontispiece from Robert Burton 'The Anatomy of Melancholy' London, 1836. Originally published 1621)

Red bryony, Bryonia dioica
5855062 Red bryony, Bryonia dioica; (add.info.: Red bryony, Bryonia dioica. Handcoloured botanical illustration drawn and engraved on steel by William Clark from John Stephenson)

Golden shower tree, Cassia fistula
5855125 Golden shower tree, Cassia fistula; (add.info.: Golden shower tree, Cassia fistula. Handcoloured botanical illustration drawn by G)

Purging buckthorn, Rhamnus cathartica
5855099 Purging buckthorn, Rhamnus cathartica; (add.info.: Purging buckthorn, Rhamnus cathartica. Handcoloured botanical illustration drawn by G)

True Rhubarb and Monks Rhubarb and leaf of Bastard Rhubarb
5311734 True Rhubarb and Monks Rhubarb and leaf of Bastard Rhubarb; (add.info.: True Rhubarb (right) and Monks Rhubarb (ile alpinus) and leaf of Bastard Rhubarb (left)

Alexandrian senna, Senna alexandrina (Senna, Cassia senna). Handcoloured woodblock engravings from James Main's
FLO4671550 Alexandrian senna, Senna alexandrina (Senna, Cassia senna). Handcoloured woodblock engravings from James Main's Popular Botany, Orr and Smith, London, 1835

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) source of Digitalis, used from Medieval times as emetic and purgative
539165 Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) source of Digitalis, used from Medieval times as emetic and purgative. 19th century (lithograph); (add.info)

Yellow flowered senna or Egyptian cassia with seed pods, Cassia senna
5856704 Yellow flowered senna or Egyptian cassia with seed pods, Cassia senna by Sowerby, James (1757-1822); (add.info.: Yellow flowered senna or Egyptian cassia with seed pods, Cassia senna)

The purge, illustration from Le Rire, 6th March 1897 (engraving)
REV382361 The purge, illustration from Le Rire, 6th March 1897 (engraving) by Cadel, Eugene (1865-1940); Private Collection; (add.info.: ca commence-t-il a te gargouiller un peu, mon tresor)

"There was an Old Man of Vienna, who lived upon Tincture of Senna", from A Book of Nonsense
LLM386695 " There was an Old Man of Vienna, who lived upon Tincture of Senna", from A Book of Nonsense, published by Frederick Warne and Co

Golden rain tree or canafistula, Cassia fistula, Casse purgative. Handcoloured steel engraving by Pierre after a botanical illustration by Edouard Maubert from Pierre Oscar Reveil, A. Dupuis, Fr

I Squirting cucumber, ii Narrowleaf Hawkweed, iii Rosemary
3284247 I Squirting cucumber, ii Narrowleaf Hawkweed, iii Rosemary, from Hortus Eystettensis, by Basil Besler (1561-1629) pub

Love in the mist seed head (Nigella sp. )
Love in the mist seed head (Nigella sp.). The seeds of the plant, known as black cumin, are used as a spice in cookery and also medicinally as a diuretic

Picture No. 10888415
Globe daisy - in FebruaryUse: purgative and laxative, antidiabetic, anti-arthritis and gout (Globularia alypum) Date:

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) source of Digitalis. Used from Medieval times as emetic and purgative. After Withering (late 18th century) used as diuretic in dropsy

Turkey Rhubarb (Rheum officinate) widely used a a cathartic. Hand-coloured engraving London, 1798

Dr. Pierses pleasant purgative pellets

Love in the mist flower (Nigella sp. )
Love in the mist flower (Nigella sp.). The seeds of the plant, known as black cumin, are used as a spice in cookery and also medicinally as a diuretic

Flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum). These seeds are the source of linseed, which is rich in omega-3 oils. As such, the seeds or their oils are often taken as a dietary supplement

False senna (Coronilla emerus emeroides)
False senna flowers (Coronilla emerus emeroides). This is the east Mediterranean form of false senna. Consumption of this plant may induce vomiting. Photographed in Greece, in spring

Love in the mist flower (Nigella sp. )
Love in the mist flower (Nigella sp.). The seeds of the plant, known as black cumin, are used as a spice in cookery and also medicinally as a diuretic

Love in the mist seed head (Nigella sp. )
Love in the mist seed head (Nigella sp.). The seeds of the plant, known as black cumin, are used as a spice in cookery and also medicinally as a diuretic

Bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara) flowers and fruits. All parts of this plant are mildly poisonous, though it is used in herbal medicine to treat warts and skin diseases

Hellebore flower (Helleborus sp. )
Hellebore flower (Helleborus sp.). This plant is poisonous, but preparations made from it have been used in herbal medicine for centuries

Bladder senna (Colutea arborescens) in fruit

Magnesium sulphate crystals, LM
Magnesium sulphate. Polarised light micrograph of crystals of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4), a chemical used medicinally and in the textile industry

Bladder senna in fruit (Colutea arborescens). Garden
ROG-12785 Bladder senna in fruit Garden Colutea arborescens Bob Gibbons Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Bladder-senna (Colutea arborescens), flowers and fruit. S. Europe
ROG-12468 Bladder-senna, flowers and fruit. S. Europe. Colutea arborescens Bob Gibbons Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Dried annatto seeds
Dried anatto seeds. These are the seeds of the annatto plant, Bixa orellana, which are used in herbal medicine. The plant is widely cultivated in tropical regions

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"Purgative: Nature's Cleansing Power Unveiled" In the realm of natural wonders, lies a fascinating world where caffeine crystals and hellebore flowers intertwine. Behold the captivating light micrograph that reveals the intricate beauty of these elements, as if nature herself painted them with delicate strokes. Amidst this enchantment, love in the mist flower emerges gracefully, its petals adorned with an ethereal charm. A yellow-flowered senna or Egyptian cassia stands tall nearby, showcasing its majestic seed pods like precious jewels on display. Delving into history's archives, we stumble upon "The Purge, " an illustration from Le Rire dating back to 1897. This engraving transports us to a bygone era when people sought relief through unconventional means. A whimsical verse echoes through time - "There was an Old Man of Vienna who lived upon Tincture of Senna. " These words remind us of humanity's quest for remedies and their willingness to explore uncharted territories in pursuit of well-being. As our journey continues, we encounter the golden rain tree or canafistula known as Cassia fistula. Its vibrant blossoms cascade like liquid sunshine, offering solace and rejuvenation to those seeking respite from life's burdens. Nature never ceases to amaze; it presents us with squirting cucumber, narrowleaf hawkweed, and rosemary - each possessing unique properties that have been utilized throughout centuries for their purgative effects. Amongst this tapestry of botanical marvels lies Alexandrian senna (Senna alexandrina), renowned for its potent cleansing abilities and has long been revered as a trusted ally in promoting digestive health and restoring balance within our bodies. Finally, we come across love in the mist seed head (Nigella sp. ), resembling a mystical orb holding secrets waiting to be unraveled. Within its delicate structure lies potential new beginnings – seeds that carry the promise of renewal and growth.