Rheum officinale

Common name: Rhubarb

Family: Polygonaceae

Part used: Root

Habitat: Rhubarb is a tall perennial growing to 3m when in flower and dying back in winter. The large hairy leaves grow on longredish (delicious) stems. Rhubarb prefers sunny positions in well drained moist soil. Though rhubarb is widely cultivated for its stems, the leaves are toxic but the roots have long been used in tradtional medicine. 

Constituents: Anthrquinones, dianthones, tannins including prcyanidins, stilbenes including resveratrol, flavonoids and phenylbutanones

Actions: Laxative, stomachic, astringent, aperient, tonic, anti-inflammatory

Traditional and current uses:

• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Haemorrhoids
• Stool softening
• Gastroenteritis

Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for educational use only, and is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified medical herbalist, doctor or licensed health practitioner. The information contained herein is not diagnostic, always consult a medical health professional before embarking on a treatment programme. Max Drake Medical Herbalist disclaims any liability, loss, injury or damage incurred as a consequence of the use and application of the advice given herein.