Rhubarb root is a popular herbal remedy with tannins and anthraquinones that can help alleviate diarrhea and constipation. However, it can have potential side effects, and individuals should consult with a physician before use. The plant is toxic and should not be eaten. Topically, it can be used as an astringent and has been shown to be effective in treating staph infections. Pregnant or lactating women and people with certain conditions should avoid rhubarb root.
Rhubarb root is derived from the base of the Chinese rhubarb plant. It is an herbal remedy that has been used medicinally for centuries. Due to potential side effects, care should be taken when using rhubarb root. As with the use of any supplement, individuals should consult with a physician before beginning an herbal supplement regimen.
Originally from Tibet and China, rhubarb’s popularity as a medicinal herb spread to Europe and Asia during the 15th and 16th centuries. Indigenous to nature, rhubarb is one of the few herbs that is widely cultivated and still used for herbal and conventional applications. The characteristic shiny stems of the rhubarb plant can grow to a height of almost 6 feet (1,828 meters). The large green leaves of the rhubarb plant contain oxalic acid, making it highly toxic and unsafe to eat.
Cultivated in the West since the 1700s, perennial rhubarb’s active elements include tannins and anthraquinones, two distinct medicinal classifications. Tannins possess astringent properties, which decrease inflammation and help alleviate symptoms associated with diarrhea. Rhubarb anthraquinones are classified as laxatives and act as stimulants in the colon to promote and regulate bowel movements relieving constipation.
Prepared as a decoction, 0.5 to 1 full teaspoon (approximately 3 to 6 grams) of rhubarb root is combined with a cup of water and taken morning and night. As a tincture, 0.25 to 0.5 teaspoons (1 to 2 ml) of rhubarb root is taken three times a day for the treatment of constipation. Rhubarb can be combined with carminative herbs, such as mint or fennel, to relieve excessive cramping and gas buildup. When used to treat constipation, short-term use is recommended to establish regular bowel movements and prevent dependency. Small doses of rhubarb can be used to relieve diarrhea.
A decoction of rhubarb root can be used topically as an astringent. The use of the decoction has been shown to be effective for the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus, the common source of most staph infections. Applied topically, a rhubarb decoction is effective in promoting the healing of skin abrasions, sores, and scabs. The infusion has also been used as a diuretic and as a treatment for conditions including kidney stones and gout.
Side effects associated with the use of rhubarb root include severe abdominal cramping, dehydration, and loss of potassium. Rhubarb root should not be used as a long-term treatment for persistent constipation. Pregnant or lactating women should avoid the use of rhubarb root and products that use it as an ingredient. People with conditions including Crohn’s disease, certain heart conditions, and liver disease should not use rhubarb root.
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