Polygonaceae - Rheum officinale. Rhubarb

Biological Name: Rheum emodi, Rheum officinale, Rheum acuminatum, Rheum speciforme, Rheum webbianum, Rheum moorcroftianum, Rheum australe, Rheum palmatum Other Names: Rhubarb, amla-vetasa, aml parni, revand-chini, archu, Chinese Rhubarb, Turkey rhubarb, Da huang, Bangla Revanchini, Himalayan rhubarb, Indian rhubarb, Ladakirevanda-chini, Nattu ireval-chinni, Reval-chini, Rhabarber, Rheuchini, Rhubarb de Perse, Tursak, Variyattu Parts Used: The drug consists of the dried rhizome or underground stem of the plant, either whole or cut into pieces of suitable length. The roots or rhizomes are dug up, cut transversely into short pieces (rounds and flats), threaded on a string, and dried in the sun or by artificial heat. Note: Rhizome of Rheum palmatum and other species are used, not the garden rhubarb. Remedies For: Purgative, alterative, hemostatic, antipyretic, anthelmintic, stomachic, bitter tonic, cathartic, laxative, atonic indigestion Constipation (with fevers, ulcers, infections), diarrhea, Pitta dysentery, jaundice, liver disorders. Rhubarb Root has a purgative action for use in the treatment of constipation, but also has an astringent effect following this. It therefore has a truly cleansing action upon the gut, removing debris and then astringing with antiseptic properties as well. Note: Rhubarb Root may color the urine yellow or red. Small doses - tonic hepatic. Large doses - cathartic. Ayurvedic Applications Rhubarb is stomachic, bitter, tonic, cathartic. Useful for simple diarrhea, but not in constipation or any affection in which a continuous aperient action is necessary; Its stimulating combined with its aperient properties render it valuable in atonic dyspepsia. Best used for the ailments of children and aged persons. Combined with ginger, it may be given in the form of pill in cases where the bowels are sluggish. Ordinary dose of the powder is from 5 to 20 grains. Some persons chew the root. Rhubarb is an important ingredient of a large va