Rhubarb Root
Also known as
Rheum palmatum, Rhubarb
root, da huang, and Chinese rhubarb.
Introduction
Turkey rhubarb has been used
as a purgative for at least 2,000 years. Its used was recorded in the Chinese
medical text Divine Husbandman’s Classic of the Materia Medica nearly two
centuries before the beginning of the Christian era. Rhubarb roots are dug in
September or October after the stem and leaves of the plant are withered by
frost. The roots should only dug after the plants are about 2-3 years old, and
the maximum effectiveness of the roots as a purgative requires that they be
aged for about 6-12 months.
Constituents
Anthaquinone glycosides
including chrysophanol, emodin, aloe-emodin, rhein, physcion; as well as
cinnamic acid, calcium oxalate, fructose, glucose, tannic acids, and sennosides
A, B, and C.
Parts Used
Dried root, chopped and
powdered.
Typical Preparations
Traditionally used as a tea
or tincture. May also be taken as a capsule for convenience.
Summary
Chinese physicians today use rhubarb root teas to treat stubborn infections of the skin caused by Staphylococcus aureus. A powder of rhubarb root and licorice can be made into a plaster to treat boils and furuncles.
Used for a variety of circulatory problems, it can help stop bleeding faster, fight viruses of the circulatory system and generally aid in all areas of circulation.
Additional benefits of eating Rhubarb root include:
- Lowers risk of cancer
- High fiber content helps to regulate bowel movements
- Relief from discomfort associated with indigestion
- Lowers blood pressure, if taken in measured doses
- Hot flushes can be reduced
- Antibacterial and antiseptic properties can cleanse body, inside and out – thus preventing infection
- Manages high cholesterol, eliminating the need for synthetic drugs
Precautions
If you experience cramping,
you’ve taken too much. On the other hand, if you take only a tiny amount of
rhubarb, you will become constipated. In very small doses, the tannins in
rhubarb are more effective than the purgative chemicals and the herb actually
causes constipation. Use as directed.
Don’t take rhubarb or any other stimulant laxative if you take Lasix (furosemide); the combination can lead to potassium depletion. Not known to be safe during pregnancy, although no complications have ever been reported. Not recommended for long term use.