Rhubarb root: properties and uses. Rhubarb - vitamin petioles Rhubarb root medicinal properties and contraindications

Name in Latin: Rheum altaicum Losinsk

A perennial herbaceous plant from the buckwheat family, up to 2 m high, with a short, thick, multi-headed rhizome, from which fleshy, succulent roots extend. The basal leaves are round-ovate, deeply cordate at the base, large, long-petiolate, stem leaves are ovate, alternate, with a dry membranous bell at the base. In the second or third year of life, small, regular, pink, white or green flowers appear, collected in large paniculate inflorescences. The fruits are red-brown triangular nuts with wings. Blooms in July.

It is found in tall grass forest and subalpine meadows, in grassy woodlands, in coniferous and mixed forests, among shrubs in the forest and subalpine zones of the south of Western Siberia.

Tangut rhubarb (Rheum palmatum var. tanguticum Maxim), found under natural conditions only in the northern provinces of China, is successfully grown on private plots and also on plantations of the Moshkovsky state farm of medicinal plants, located in the Novosibirsk region.

For medicinal purposes, they use the roots and rhizomes of 3-4 year old Rhubarb, which are harvested in the fall.

Rhizomes and roots contain anthraglycosides, tannoglycosides (tannins of the pyrocatechol group and gallic acid derivatives), which have an astringent effect. Leaves - substances with P-vitamin action, malic, citric, oxalic, ascorbic acids, sugars, ergosterol, iron salts, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, protein.

Preparations of rhizomes and roots are used as a regulator of the gastrointestinal tract. In small doses they have an astringent effect, and in large doses they have a mild laxative effect. In addition, Rhubarb preparations increase appetite, improve digestion, and have choleretic and antiseptic properties. Indicated for poor appetite, gastritis, chronic enteritis, colitis, dyspepsia, constipation, intestinal atony, rectal fissures, hemorrhoids. The rhizomes and roots of the plant are part of a complex bitter tincture, gastric and choleretic preparations. From them the drug chrysarobin was obtained, proposed for the treatment of psoriasis.

In folk medicine, Rhubarb roots are used for various disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, diseases of the liver and biliary tract, catarrh of the stomach with low acidity, inflammation of the intestines, jaundice, anemia, tuberculosis. Dry root powder is sprinkled on wounds and burns. For medicinal purposes, the most suitable roots and rhizomes are 3-4 years old.

The effectiveness of Rhubarb preparations decreases with long-term use.

Plant parts used

  • Root

Contraindications

For a plant part - Root

Recipes

For a plant part - Root

For poor appetite, gastritis, chronic enteritis, colitis, dyspepsia, constipation, intestinal atony, rectal fissures, hemorrhoids, jaundice, anemia, tuberculosis.

Pour 1 tablespoon of crushed roots into 1 glass of cold boiled water, leave for 8 hours, boil for 3 minutes in the morning, strain. Take 1/3 cup 2-3 times a day.

For anemia, tuberculosis, food poisoning, flatulence, intoxication, rheumatism.

Pour 1 tablespoon of chopped roots with 1 glass of boiling water, leave, covered, for 2 hours, strain. Divide the infusion into 3 equal doses. Take 1 dose 3 times a day before meals.

For constipation.

Pour 20 grams of crushed root into 200 ml. boiling water, cook for 10 minutes over low heat, leave for 1 hour, strain. Take the entire dose in one dose at night. The laxative effect after administration occurs within 8-10 hours.

Powder.

Grind the roots to a powder. Take orally 3 times a day, 30 minutes before meals, with 50 ml. boiled water. – small doses of rhubarb root powder (no more than 0.2 grams) reduce intestinal motility and have an astringent effect; – medium doses (from 0.3 to 0.5 grams) give a choleretic effect and a fixing (astringent); – large doses (0.5 to 2 grams) are a laxative for constipation. (Children are prescribed 0.1 grams or more depending on age.) So: As an astringent - 0.05–0.20 grams; As a laxative - 0.5–1.0–2.0 grams.

I am 51 years old. Tell me, please, is it possible to really lose weight if you take an ordinary cuff? If yes, then how should it be taken correctly? And another question: how to get rid of varicose veins? Please advise something.

Cuff is a herb that accelerates lymph circulation (lymphoprotector). Its effects can be compared to weight loss after a bath, for example.

Therefore it must be used. But the main causes of obesity are digestive problems (liver and pancreas); and hormonal sphere - insulin and sugar levels; sedentary lifestyle and overeating.

I would recommend immediately collecting herbs.

1. Roots: marsh cinquefoil, Altai rhubarb;

On their own sites. This is not a difficult task, even a beginner can do it. If petioles and sometimes rhubarb leaves are mainly used, then The root of this plant is also used in folk medicine.

Only by the fourth year after planting does the root begin to ripen, and by the sixth year it accumulates all its roots.

The best time for cleaning is autumn. The roots of the plant are dug up, cleaned, cut into pieces and dried in the sun. They are finally dried in the shade, then they can be stored in a dark and dry place for several years.

Rhubarb root has choleretic, astringent, laxative and anti-inflammatory properties. The roots contain anthraglycosides and tanoglycosides. These are two groups of substances that are directly opposite in action.

  • The first has a laxative effect and therefore the plant is indicated for constipation,
  • the second group - tanoglycosides, on the contrary, has an astringent and antidiarrheal effect.

In large doses, the root is used as a laxative that does not cause addiction to the plant, in small quantities - as a fixative and as a drug for low stomach acidity.

The root, infused with vinegar, is used for skin diseases such as serious vitiligo and psoriasis.

Potassium, magnesium and iron alleviate the condition of cardiovascular diseases. These microelements regulate the functioning of the heart, strengthen blood vessels, and relieve anemia.

Rhubarb root for hepatitis

The choleretic effect of the root is especially appreciated for hepatitis.. This is a group of serious infectious liver diseases. One of the important functions of the liver is regulating the level of sugar, fats and, as a result, the secretion of bile. With hepatitis, the liver has difficulty performing these vital functions. Using rhubarb root for this disease helps normalize the secretion of bile in the liver.

An infusion is used to treat hepatitis: 1 tablespoon of root, crushed into powder, pour a glass of boiling water. Then the broth is simmered for 20 minutes over low heat. Keep warm for 10 hours and filter. The infusion will be very bitter. The bitterness can be softened with honey.

The product is taken before meals every day three times, one tablespoon. The course is two months. After two weeks, the treatment is repeated again.

Rhubarb root contraindicated:

  • pregnant women,
  • patients with ulcers,
  • with bleeding,
  • inflammation and intestinal obstruction.

Natalia Karpo, Russia, Rostov-on-Don, ©

Tangut rhubarb - Rheum palmatum L. var. tanguticum Maxim

Buckwheat family - Polygonaceae

Botanical characteristics. A perennial tall (up to 2.5 m) succulent herbaceous plant with a short thick rhizome, from which long spindle-shaped roots extend. The stems are erect, few-branched, cylindrical, grooved, hollow inside. The basal leaves are large, together with a petiole up to 1 m long, with fleshy petioles, five-, seven-lobed, pointed blades, coarsely cut. The stem leaves are alternate, ovate, equipped at the base with a dry membranous bell. The flowers are regular, small, white, pinkish or reddish, inconspicuous, collected in erect panicles located at the end of the stem in the axils of the upper leaves. The fruit is a red-brown achene with three ribs turned into wings. Mass flowering occurs in the third year in June, the fruits ripen in July.

Spreading. It grows wild in the mountain forests of Central China and Mongolia. It is cultivated on state farms located in Ukraine, the Novosibirsk region, and Belarus.

The homeland of palmate rhubarb is southwestern China and adjacent areas of Central Asia (Nan Shan, Weizang), where the species lives in tall grass meadows in the upper part of the forest and subalpine zones.

Until 1977, rhubarb was grown in a number of state farms of the Efirlekrasprom agro-industrial complex. Currently, there are small industrial plantations at the Moscow and Przhevalsk experimental bases of VILAR. The curtailment of sown areas and the reduction in production volumes of rhubarb roots occurred due to imperfect technology for cultivating this crop, based on the soil method of sowing, and the high labor intensity of harvesting raw materials.

Habitat. Mainly in open areas and fertilized soil.

Harvesting, primary processing and drying. Roots are harvested in early spring or autumn in the third year of the plant’s life. The above-ground part of the plant is pre-mowed. The roots are dug up with plows. In this case, the plantation is continuously plowed to a depth of 35-40 cm. Then the roots are selected from the soil, cleaned of stem residues, washed, rotten roots are removed and cut lengthwise into pieces no more than 15 cm long and up to 3 cm thick. Before drying, the roots are dried under canopies or in well-ventilated areas, and then dried in air or heat dryers at a temperature of 60 ° C. In addition to roots, rhizomes may be present. But their content is small, so the raw material is called “Rhubarb Roots”.

Standardization. The quality of raw materials is regulated by the State Fund XI.

Security measures. It is not allowed to dig up young roots.

Drying. In dryers at a temperature of 60°C.

External signs. The raw material consists of pieces of roots of various shapes, up to 3 cm thick. The root pieces are covered with a dark brown plug on the outside, brown or orange-brown on the inside. The fracture is smooth, granular, white-orange. The smell is peculiar. The taste is bitter, astringent. When chewed, the root crunches on the teeth (very large druses); saliva turns yellow. Chinese rhubarb, consisting of pieces of old peeled rhizomes 12-15 cm wide, is allowed for use. Unlike roots, it does not have the radiant structure characteristic of them; Under a magnifying glass (x10), conductive bundles in the form of stars are visible. Allowed loss in mass during drying is no more than 12%, extractive substances - no less than 33%, content of anthracene derivatives - no less than 3.4%

Microscopy. When examining a cross section of the root, a dark brown plug is visible, consisting of several rows of cells; under it are large tangentially elongated red-brown phelloderm cells with thickened walls. The bark is narrow and consists of thin-walled cells, among which round containers with mucus are visible. The cambium line is clearly expressed. Wood consists of thin-walled parenchyma cells and large vessels, located singly or in small groups. The medullary rays are 2-4 rows, funnel-shaped, widening in the cortex. The bark parenchyma and wood contain large drusen of calcium oxalate (up to 100-120 µm) and starch grains (2-40 µm in diameter), simple or 2-5-complex (Fig.).

According to SP XI, in addition to the analysis of external features and microscopy, authenticity is also confirmed using fluorescent microscopy.

Qualitative reactions. During microsublimation (heating the powder in a dry test tube), hydroxymethylanthraquinones sublimate and settle on the cold walls of the test tube in the form of yellow crystals. When exposed to an alcohol solution of NaOH, they turn blood red. Rhubarb powder (0.5-1 g) is poured into a dry test tube and 5 ml of distilled water is added (anthracene derivatives and their glycosides are easily soluble in water). A few drops of an alcohol solution of KOH are added to the resulting solution. A cherry-red color appears. When ferroammonium alum acts on powder, a black-green color (tannins) is formed. Authenticity is determined by external signs and microscopically. Large druses, various vessels and starch grains are visible in rhubarb root powder under a microscope.

Numerical indicators.Whole raw materials. The content of anthracene derivatives in terms of istizine is at least 2% (quantitative determination is based on the photoelectrocolorimetry method); humidity no more than 12%; total ash no more than 8%; ash, insoluble in a 10% solution of hydrochloric acid, no more than 1%; roots blackened at the fracture, no more than 5%; organic and mineral impurities no more than 0.5%.

Powder. Anthracene derivatives in terms of istizine are not less than 2%; humidity not more than 9%; total ash no more than 8%; ash, insoluble in a 10% solution of hydrochloric acid, no more than 1%; crushed particles that do not pass through a sieve with holes measuring 0.16 mm, no more than 3%.

Chemical composition. Rhubarb roots contain two groups of active ingredients: anthraglycosides (3.5-6%) and tannins (6.7-10.6%) of the condensed group. Anthracene derivatives are represented by at least 20 compounds from the group of rhein, aloeemodin, franguloemodin (reumemodin), chrysophanol, fiscion, which are in the form of anthrones, anthronols, hetero- and dianthrones (palmidines A, B, C, D), reidine (A, B , C), sennidin C. In addition, rhubarb roots contain flavonoids, bitter glycosides, pectin substances, resins, and starch.

Storage. Packaged in a room protected from light (rhubarb darkens under the influence of light). Shelf life: 5 years.

Medicines. Rhubarb root, powder, tablets, decoction, tincture, dry extract, rhubarb syrup.

Application. In large doses (0.5-1 g) it is used as a laxative, in small doses (0.05-0.1 g) - as a means of stimulating appetite and improving overall metabolism. The laxative effect occurs 8-10 hours after oral administration and is caused mainly by emodin, rhein and chrysophan, which, after irritating the mucous membrane of the large intestine, cause increased peristalsis and faster passage of feces. The laxative and astringent effect of rhubarb depends not only on the dose, but also on the solubility of the compounds. Aqueous extracts from rhubarb root contain more anthraglycosides, and alcoholic extracts are richer in tannins.

Rhubarb belongs to the buckwheat family and resembles burdock in appearance. Only petioles with a sour taste are suitable for consumption. The root system and leaves of the plant are not used for food. Infusions and various decoctions are made from them.

The plant has many beneficial properties and has a beneficial effect on the body.

  • Positively affects brain activity. Useful for any age, as it promotes productive brain function. Has a positive effect on memory.
  • Benefits the digestive system. Having a laxative effect, it helps cleanse the stomach, stimulate its proper functioning, and also normalize metabolism.
  • Strengthens the immune system. Thanks to the large amount of vitamins, rhubarb is very beneficial for the body and human health.
  • An important point for many women is the condition of their hair. The plant is a good medicine that helps heal damaged fibers. The hair will quickly recover, become brighter in color and acquire a natural shine.
  • Strengthens bones. The calcium it contains helps joints and teeth become stronger. Significantly reduces the risk of fractures.

Include rhubarb in your diet, which will help improve the condition and functioning of the body and relieve many ailments.

If there is a tendency to bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, acute inflammatory processes in the bladder or kidneys, then rhubarb should not be consumed in large doses.

  • hemorrhoids with bleeding;
  • cholecystitis;
  • diabetes mellitus;
  • tendency to diarrhea;
  • gout;
  • rheumatism;
  • urolithiasis.

Medicinal properties of rhubarb

In folk medicine it is often recommended to use rhubarb.

  • Prevents the development of eye diseases.
  • With sufficient and regular consumption of the stems, the number of wrinkles decreases and the skin becomes less susceptible to aging. Thanks to its bactericidal properties, it prevents the development of not only skin infections, but also fungal ones.
  • The plant has laxative properties, so when consuming rhubarb you don’t have to worry about the manifestations of gastrointestinal disorders, flatulence and cramps.
  • The stems help thin the blood and prevent stagnation in the blood vessels. Reduce the likelihood of blood clots. By normalizing blood flow, the risk of stroke is minimized.
  • The cardiovascular system is significantly improved. And fiber helps cleanse blood vessels.
  • Reduces the risk of developing cancerous tumors, especially in the lungs and oral cavity. This occurs due to the fact that the substances included in the composition prevent cell mutation.

Diseases for which rhubarb helps

Rhubarb is a storehouse of vitamins. The plant contains many mineral compounds. The benefits of rhubarb are determined by its chemical composition. Ascorbic acid, sugars, pectin substances and organic acids in rhubarb saturate the body with substances necessary for normal life.

If you suffer from constipation or, conversely, soft stools or painful menstruation, then the plant under discussion, which constricts blood vessels, will help cope with these ailments. When consumed in small portions, it has a strengthening effect, and when the concentration increases, it has a laxative effect.

Bioactive substances present in the plant prevent cardiovascular diseases. Regular consumption of the roots helps cure heart failure and reduce the risk of stroke, as well as strengthen the myocardial muscle.

The main quality is improved digestion. Thanks to ascorbic acid, it prevents infectious infections, thereby helping to avoid colds, keep the body in good shape and delay the onset of old age.

Doctors often prescribe rhubarb as an aid to normalize sleep and strengthen the nervous system. The plant is rich in polyphenols, which help prevent cancer and benign tumors.

Thus, in addition to the above, the plant helps treat:

  • inflammation of the stomach and intestines;
  • gallbladder diseases;
  • anemia;
  • haemorrhoids;
  • exhaustion;
  • tuberculosis;
  • diabetes;
  • liver diseases;
  • obesity;
  • cracks in the rectum;
  • constipation and bowel disorders;
  • cold;
  • hangover syndrome.

Traditional medicine recipes

Dried and ground root, diluted with a small amount of vinegar, helps cure skin diseases. To get rid of constipation, take one large spoon of powder before bed, but be careful, you should not use this remedy often, it is addictive.

You can prepare a tincture from the plant. To do this, pour the roots (180 g) with alcohol (190 ml). Leave for half a month. Then strain. A reddish-transparent liquid will come out that has a bitter taste. Take a small spoon before meals - this will help increase appetite.

Tuberculosis, anemia, poisoning

Ingredients:

  • water – 240 ml;
  • rhubarb root - 1 tbsp. spoon.

Preparation:

  1. Cold water is used for preparation. Place the root. Leave overnight. Boil and cook for three minutes.
  2. Take three times a day. Single dose: 75 ml.

Laxative

Ingredients:

  • rhubarb powder – 20 g;
  • boiling water – 210 ml.

Preparation:

  1. Pour water over rhubarb. Boil for eight minutes. Cool.
  2. To achieve a laxative effect, drink a cup of decoction before bed.

Useful properties in cosmetology

Rhubarb root is suitable for cosmetology. Stems are used extremely rarely. Suitable mainly for hair coloring.

To do this, washed hair is moistened with a decoction. Apply using a cotton swab. The hair is tied with a plastic scarf and a towel on top and left for two hours. To cover gray hair, repeat the procedure several times a day.

Blonde hair will take on a straw-yellowish tint.

Helps whiten skin and get rid of freckles. To do this, prepare a mixture of rhubarb juice and kefir. Take products in equal proportions. Apply to the skin and leave for a quarter of an hour. Then rinse with cold water.

Use during pregnancy

The plant is safe and helps the expectant mother to better cope with pregnancy.

  • If high blood pressure occurs during pregnancy, then rhubarb stems will be a salvation. Hypertension causes underweight in the baby due to poor nutrition through the placenta. The plant helps stabilize blood pressure.
  • Rhubarb contains a lot of vitamin K, which can prevent brain hemorrhage in the fetus at the time of birth.
  • When consumed, cholesterol levels decrease, which is very important during pregnancy.
  • Helps to develop the child’s musculoskeletal system. Strengthens mom’s teeth and prevents calcium from being washed out.

What are the benefits of rhubarb in weight loss diets?

Adding the plant to salads allows you to retain maximum vitamins and beneficial properties and promotes weight loss.

Thanks to the plant’s effective removal of toxins, normalization of water balance, improvement of intestinal motility and ridding the body of toxins, it helps to successfully fight extra pounds. Rhubarb is believed to reduce appetite.

Use the stems not only for salads, but also in soups and appetizers.

Rhubarb root for hepatitis

A decoction of the roots of the plant helps with this disease.

Ingredients:

  • rhubarb root - 4 tbsp. spoons;
  • water – 970 ml.

Preparation:

  1. Pour boiling water over the powder from the plant. Place on the stove and cook for half an hour. Cover with a blanket and leave for eight hours. Take gauze and strain the solution.
  2. Take three times a day (1 tablespoon) and always eat honey (1 teaspoon). Treatment is carried out for a month. For children, a single serving is reduced to a teaspoon.

Contraindications and possible harm

Rhubarb is not good for everyone. For some diseases, it is necessary to regulate the use of the plant or completely abandon it.

Cannot be used for:

  • heartburn;
  • kidney stones;
  • acute appendicitis;
  • rheumatism;
  • bleeding tendency;
  • gout;
  • gastritis and allergic reactions.

Do not use with the plant products that contain oxalic acid and are highly acidic: sorrel, lemon and similar products. This will have a detrimental effect on the stomach and aggravate the disease.

Rhubarb is a healthy vegetable whose roots and stems (the hard parts under the leaves) are consumed. The stems range in color from green to dark red and grow up to 40-60 cm. Rhubarb has a sour and bitter taste, so it is cooked with sugar (preferably cane sugar).

This eliminates the bitter taste while imparting apple and lemon flavors. What are the benefits of rhubarb root? What is its role in healthy living and medicine?

From history to modern times

The first use of the useful plant's root can be traced back to 2700 BC. At that time, the Hopi Indians of China and Tibet used it to treat colds. In addition to rhinitis, the root has been used in China to treat constipation and diarrhea.

Around 1600, Marco Polo discovered rhubarb root during his travels to China, and brought the plant to Europe, where it became so popular that it was one of the most expensive herbs on the market. Its value was even greater than the commercial value of opium.

Only after 1800 did people discover, in addition to the healing properties of rhubarb, the possibility of using it in the food industry.

Rhubarb arrived in America at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th centuries. According to records, one farmer bought seeds and roots in Europe and shared his knowledge about the plant with his neighbors. This ensured the grass became very popular, and it even began to appear in stores.

However, rhubarb originally originated from western China. It grows and matures for 4 or more years. After ripening, the underground part of the plant is dug out (in the autumn months, most often in October).

After collection, before harvesting, it is washed, outer fibers are removed, cut into pieces approximately 10 cm long (larger ones are cut lengthwise), and dried at temperatures up to 50°C.

Store finished raw materials in a closed container in a dark place. During storage, avoid getting moisture into the raw materials!

What substances does the root contain?

The natural product contains many useful substances, including:

  • water;
  • proteins;
  • carbohydrates;
  • cellulose;
  • fats;
  • iron;
  • calcium;
  • magnesium;
  • phosphorus;
  • potassium;
  • sodium;
  • zinc;
  • manganese;
  • copper;
  • vitamins C, E, K;
  • lutein;
  • β-carotene;
  • folic acid;
  • pantothenic acid.

Let's look at the quantitative composition of the active substances.
Nutritional value (100 g):

  • kJ – 79.8;
  • kcal – 19;
  • proteins – 1.3 g;
  • carbohydrates – 4.7 g;
  • fats – 0.1 g;
  • fiber – 2.3 g;
  • water – 91 g.

Minerals (mg/100 g):

  • iron – 0.35;
  • zinc – 0.15;
  • calcium – 92;
  • manganese – 0.3;
  • magnesium – 15.5;
  • copper – 0.1;
  • phosphorus – 17;
  • omega-6 – 0.110;
  • potassium – 297;
  • selenium – 0.015;
  • sodium – 4.3.

Vitamins (mg/100 g):

  • A – 120 IU;
  • B3 – 0.5;
  • C – 11;
  • E – 0.6;
  • K – 0.032;
  • pantothene – 0.03;
  • lutein – 0.190;
  • β-carotene – 0.069; folic acid – 0.10.

Health effects


What are the therapeutic properties of rhubarb root that make it used in folk medicine? They are very wide. Let's look at the main positive health qualities:

  1. Immune system support.
  2. Digestive support.
  3. Promoting regular bowel movements.
  4. Weight loss support.
  5. Supports bile secretion.
  6. Detoxification of the body.
  7. Ensuring proper functioning of the central nervous system.
  8. Diuretic effects.
  9. Removing excess water from the body.
  10. Prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
  11. Reducing high blood pressure.
  12. Prevention of anemia.
  13. Supports red blood cell production.
  14. Preventing osteoporosis.
  15. Supports the formation of bone and cartilage tissue.
  16. Support muscle building.
  17. Blood purification.
  18. Treatment of wounds and skin diseases.


Rhubarb is full of vitamins and active substances important for good human health. Good health equals healthy weight loss. Improved digestion is responsible for this property.

Decoction

A decoction is the most commonly used traditional medicine method for preparing medicines from roots. This is a boiled water extract. The raw materials are poured with cold water and boiled for about 10-15 minutes, left to infuse for 10-15 minutes. Then filter and drink.

The recipe for a decoction that promotes weight loss is similar: 1 tbsp. boil the crushed root in 1 liter of water for 15 minutes, leave for the same amount of time. Prepare the decoction immediately before use.

Carefully! Rhubarb causes menstruation and activates uterine contractions, so it is strictly not recommended for pregnant women!

Hepatitis

Rhubarb roots in a decoction for hepatitis can be used both as a monocomponent and as part of a herbal mixture.

Hepatitis Cure No. 1

2 tbsp. root powder, pour 1/2 liter of water, boil for 20 minutes. Then put in a warm place for 10 hours, then strain.

The decoction will acquire the color of strong tea and a bitter taste. Take it 1 tbsp. 3 times a day. To dull the bitterness, immediately after taking it, eat 1 tsp. honey Carry out treatment according to the following scheme: 2 months of admission -> 2 weeks of break.

Hepatitis Cure No. 2

Prepare a mixture of the following herbal ingredients:

  • 5 parts each – yellow gentian, rhubarb root;
  • 10 parts – barberry root;
  • 3 parts – horsetail.

1 tsp add 1 glass of water to the herbal mixture. After 15 minutes of simmering in a water bath, leave it warm for 1 hour (you can wrap it in a towel). Strain. Drink 1/2 glass of infusion 4 times a day.


As mentioned above, the benefits of rhubarb root include both stopping diarrhea and relieving constipation.

Diarrhea

Rhubarb contains active components that make it an extremely useful remedy for relieving diarrhea. These components are responsible for increasing contractions of the colon and for cleansing. By cleansing the intestines, the cause of diarrhea is eliminated.

Constipation

The laxative property of rhubarb root makes it an effective remedy for relieving constipation. Stimulating contractions of the colon helps move stool.

Powder

For bowel movements, rhubarb root is most often used in powder form, which can both stop diarrhea (in small doses) and act as a laxative (in large doses).

For constipation, take 1/2 tsp. dried raw materials; the effect appears after about 8 hours. For diarrhea, 1/4 tsp is enough.

Internal cleansing

The combination of laxative and astringent properties makes rhubarb root an extremely effective colon cleanser. The “laxative” in the plant increases the mobility of the colon and the “pushing” of feces through it. This helps expel any infected stool that may accumulate in the intestines.

However, it is difficult to completely cleanse the colon solely by contracting the colon. The intestines in the gastrointestinal tract are long; parts of feces may remain in its folds. Therefore, the astringent effect of rhubarb root is important for complete cleansing.

The function of rhubarb root is focused on cleansing the stomach and intestines, removing waste, and disinfecting the intestines.

Pills

To cleanse the intestines, you can use rhubarb root tablets (available in 0.3 and 0.5 g). Recommendations for use include:

  • chronic constipation;
  • intestinal obstruction;
  • bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract;
  • inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract and other conditions associated with the digestive system.

Dosage for adults: 1/2 -2 g per day.

Children:

  • 2 years – 0.1 g;
  • 3-4 years – 0.15 g;
  • 5-6 years – 0.2 g;
  • 7-9 years – up to 1/2 g;
  • 10-14 years – up to 1 year.

The product is not intended for children under 2 years of age, pregnant and lactating women!

Contraindications


Before you start home treatment with rhubarb root, keep in mind that in addition to its medicinal properties, it also has a number of contraindications. The use of natural medicine should be avoided by people with stomach ulcers, kidney stones, or other kidney and stomach diseases.

Contraindications include pregnancy, breastfeeding, intestinal obstruction; harm after taking is possible with gout.