Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Turbith

TURBITH, or Turpeth, an officinal drug, being the bark from the fleshy roots of the Convolvulus Turpethum, L. an exotic species of the Bind-weed, growing in Ceylon.

Turbith is imported in oblong pieces, which are of a brown, or ash-colour externally, and whitish within. The best is brittle; contains a large portion of resinous matter; and is at first of a sweetish taste; but, when chewed, it becomes pungent and nauseous.—This drug is occasionally employed as a purgative; but is by no means safe, or uniform, in its operation.—It pays, when imported by the East-India Company, 2l. per cent. according to its value, and farther, 1s. 1 1/2d. per lb. being the duty for home consumption.