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Common Name
Rhubarb, Chinese Rhubarb, Turkey Rhubarb, Da Huang
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Botanical Name
Rheum palmatum
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Part Used
Root
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Clinical Summary
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Alcohol
60%
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Dose
15 to 40mL weekly
Primarily used in traditional medicine as a stimulant laxative to treat constipation. At low doses it is said to act as an antidiarrhoeal because of the tannin components whereas at higher doses it exerts a cathartic action.
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Traditional Use
Rhubarb has long been used as a kidney tonic in traditional Chinese medicine. Several clinical trials have been conducted using rhubarb root extracts in patients with chronic kidney disease.
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Actions
Astringent, laxative, anti-inflammatory, stomachic
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Indications
Short-term treatment of occasional constipation, cleansing action on the gut
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Energetics
Cold, bitter
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Use in Pregnancy
Possibly unsafe when used in medicinal amounts because it is a stimulant laxative. Avoid using.
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Contraindications & Cautions
Short term use only (one to two weeks). Should be used only if no effect can be obtained through a change of diet or use of bulk-forming laxatives. Single doses may cause cramp-like discomfort of the gastrointestinal tract. Contraindicated in children under 10 years. Not to be used in cases of intestinal obstruction and stenosis, atony, inflammatory colon diseases (appendicitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome), abdominal pain of unknown origin, undiagnosed acute or persistent abdominal symptoms, severe dehydration states with electrolyte depletion, haemorrhoids or nephritis.
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Drug Interactions
Caution with corticosteroids, digoxin, diuretics, stimulant laxatives and nephrotoxic drugs.
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Dietary Information
Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free
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Substitutes
Cascara Sagrada, Senna, Aloes, Butternut, Buckthorn