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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 variety of herbal compounds. Mixed with Grey Powder
it is an excellent remedy for irritation of the bowels, common
among children when teething and in chronic dysentery, duodenal
catarrh or catarrh of the biliary ducts with jaundice and
in certain skin diseases.
As a mild purgative, rhubarb protects colon tone, used with
licorice and psyllium in older and dryer persons (ginger or
fennel is added to remove griping action-4 parts rhubarb:
1 part ginger or fennel); purges bile, ama, stagnant food
and blood; reduces weight and fat. It is stronger when used
with epsom salt.
Traditional Chinese Herbalism Applications:
Purgative, antibacterial, antitumor, antifungal, diuretic,
hemostatic, cholagogue, antihypertensive, lowers serum cholesterol,
anti-inflammatory
Rhubarb is one of the more powerful herbs used in Chinese
medicine. It is excellent for draining damp heat, especially
when there is accompanying constipation. It moves the blood
and is good for blood stagnation associated with acute stabbing
pain and bruises, for which it can be taken both internally
as well as externally in a liniment.
Useful for dysenteric conditions caused by damp heat with
symptoms of bleeding in the stool. It can also be taken for
vomiting of blood. It can be used both internally and topically
for infections. It kills blood flukes. As an external remedy
for inflammatory skin conditions such as boils and bums, rhubarb
powder can be used alone or combined with other herbs with
a little flour and water or honey to hold it together. Combinations
: It should be combined with carminative herbs to relieve
any griping that may occur.
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