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Plant
Remedies Rhubarb
Rhubarb Rheum palmatum
Originating from North-West China and Tibet,
rhubarb has been used in medicine for more than 2000 years. Rhubarb occurs
in commerce under various names; Russian, Turkey, East Indian and Chinese.
The preparations used in medicine are the powdered root, fluid-extract,
tincture, syrup, infusion, and solution.
The rhubarb grown for cooking and eating is
usually R. rhabarbarum. It
is used as a purgative and liver cleanser.
Constituents
Anthraquinones, tannins, calcium oxalate, resins,
Pharoetin, minerals
Character
Chinese herbal
medicine regards it as bitter, cold and dry
Action
It traditionally acts
as an astringent, tonic, purgative, laxative, digestive remedy and has
antibacterial properties
Application
Tincture Traditionally 5 – 10 drops can
be used as an astringent for diarrhoea. A slightly higher dose of 1ml can
act as a good liver stimulant and gentle laxative. Use increasing doses
0.5 – 2ml to prevent griping. It can be used with fennel and mint.
Decoction 0.5g can be used in diarrhoea,
while 3g of the root can be effective for chronic constipation or period
cramps.
Wash The root is antibacterial and
astringent and can be used for boils and skin diseases.
Cautions
Avoid in pregnancy as
it is a strong purgative. As
rhubarb contains oxalates it is best avoided in gout and arthritis
Do not use the leaves as they are potentially toxic.
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This page was last updated on 02 July 2005 00:00:00
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