Rhubarb ~ Rheum palmatum

Rhubarb

Latin name: Rheum palmatum

Family: Polygonaceae

Part used: rhizome

Habitat: cultivated worldwide

Main constituents: anthraquinone derivatives (chrysophanic acid, emodin), tannins

Energetics: bitter, sour, cooling, drying

Main herbal actions: laxative, cathartic in large quantities, astringent, aperient, tonic, stomachic; antioxidant

Minor herbal actions: antispasmodic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory

Main medicinal uses: jaundice, abdominal pain, indigestion, amenorrhea, carbuncles, scalds, burns

Minor medicinal uses: nephritis, diabetic nephropathy, hypercholesterolemia

Preparations: powder: 0.5-5g qd; tincture: up to 15 ml qd

Contraindications: pregnancy, nursing, damaged kidneys, kidney inflammation, intestinal obstruction, children under 12 years; chronic use depletes electrolytes, bring about muscle weakness, induce constipation; may potentiate cardiac glycoside toxicity

Toxicity: vomiting, intestinal spasms, bloody diarrhea

Sources: Sharol Tilgner, N.D.: Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth; Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations