Rhubarb Root

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Note - the monographs are provided for informational purposes only, and are not to be used for self-medication.

Rheum palmatum (Rhubarb Root)

Botanic Name	Rheum palmatum
Common Name	Rhubarb root, Turkey Rhubarb, East Indian Rhubarb, China Rhubarb
Family	Polygonaceae
Parts Used	Root & Rhizome
Habitat
Constituents	Anthraquinones ² Sennosides A-F ⁶ Tannins ² Bitter aromatic principle ² Flavonoids such as catechin ⁶ Gallic Acid ⁶
Actions	Bitter stomachic ² Mild purgative ² Astringent ² Laxative ⁶ Hypocholesterolaemic ⁶ Antiuraemic ⁶ Anti-cancer ⁶ Anti-pyretic ⁶ Vulnerary ⁶ Anthelmintic ⁶ Haemostatic ⁶
Applications	Constipation ² Cleaning and removing debris from the gut ² GIT bleeding/Haemorrhage ⁶ Hyperlipidaemia ⁶ Diarrhoea ⁶ Abdominal Pain ⁶ Jaundice ⁶ Severe hepatitis ⁶ Cancer ⁶ Acute pancreatitis & hepatitis with orthodox medicine ⁶ Fevers ⁶ Dysentry ⁶ Cholecystitis ⁶
Body Systems	Digestive, Cardio-vascular
Energetics	Promotes bowel movements and relieves constipation. Clears heat and promotes bowel movements. Cold Laxative and purgative. ⁴ Cold, bitter⁷
Dosage	Liquid Extract 1:2 0.5 – 1.5 mls tds Tincture 1:5 1.25 – 3.75 mls tds
Combinations	Should be combined with carminitive herbs to prevent griping ² Cholesterol lowering – Allium sativum, Cynara scolymus
C/I Cautions	May colour the urine yellow or red Use with cautions that apply to all anthraquinone containing herbs
BHP	Infantile diarrhoea Occasional constipation where a soft stool is desirable