Sentence:  Taken in "small doses", <WSD>gamboge</WSD> promotes the secretions of the alimentary canal and of the kidneys, and causes more frequent and liquid stools than natural. ... <WSD>Gamboge</WSD> belongs to the active hydragogues and drastic purgatives. ... It is exceedingly apt to irritate the stomach, and to occasion nausea and vomiting. This arises from its ready solubility in the gastric juices. As this action on the stomach is exceedingly objectionable, we sometimes endeavour to lessen it by conjoining aloes, or some other substance which diminishes the solubility of <WSD>gamboge</WSD> in aqueous fluids, and by giving the medicine in the form of a pill. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  The resin of the gamboge tree; a preparation of the resin used as a pigment or for medicinal purposes. (from early 18th c.)