Rhubarb speaks to me of Spring. It’s a great spring tonic to help clear the body of Winter’s excesses. While the leaves are considered toxic, the stalks are commonly enjoyed seasonally, eaten stewed. It is the root that is most commonly used medicinally. Rhubarb contains higher than average levels of oxalates so they may aggravate symptoms of gout and be problematic in those individuals that are oxalate sensitive when eaten in excess.
It is sour, bitter, cool and astringent in flavour, and suited to the tissues states of tension, stagnation and internal heat. The tongue of someone benefitting from rhubarb root may be elongated and red or red tipped.
In the Western herbal tradition, rhubarb root has most commonly been used as a simple purgative - helping to stimulate the bowels. When used in this way, it is often recommended to be taken with carminative herbs to allay the possibility of abdominal cramps that are commonly seen with the use of anthraquinone containing herbs when taken in higher doses. It is said to be milder in effect than senna and cascara sagrada. It is well indicated for constipation in the elderly, and in this case can be taken as a tincture, or tea made from the dried root.
Interestingly, it is also of use in diarrhea, as its astringency helps tonify the bowels after an acute bout of diarrhea. So we can say that it has an amphoteric effect on the bowels - helping to balance both extremes of diarrhea and constipation. This is not an unusual quality in herbs and its why we want to use herbs judiciously and with care to make sure that we are using an herb best suited to our unique body type. In trying a new herb, always listen to your body to determine if its right for you and never take an herb indefinitely. Use only as long as needed for the desired effect. There are some exceptions to this general rule when it comes to herbs that are more nourishing and food like. And although we may think of Rhubarb as a food, it is too strong in action to be considered a nourishing herb.
While its main affinity seems to be for the digestive system where it serves as a digestive tonic, both to the stomach and intestines, it also has an affinity to the nervous system. It is indicated for restlessness and for use when the mind is impatient and irritable. It promotes the flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder.
It has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for amenorrhea and painful periods. In TCM , rhubarb root has long been used as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and anticancer medicine1.
Rhubarb root is an ingredient in the classic 4 herb Essiac Formula which has popularly been used supportively for those experiencing cancer.
German research has identified a phytoesetrogen effect which has led to the development of a patented extract of the root to alleviate perimenopausal symptoms2. See this post for more on Phytoestrogens.
In homeopathy it is indicated for children with colic, sour diarrhea and teething issues who may be whiny, capricious, irritable and shrieking. They tend to be worse at night. We may see sweating of the head and face, especially during sleep and often with a characteristic sour smell.
VARIOUS SPECIES
There are numerous rhubarb species that have been used medicinally throughout the ages. The one most commonly referred to in Western botanical literature is Turkey rhubarb (Rheum palmatum), as it came to us in the west via Turkey, but originates from China. Various species of rhubarb are used extensively in China.
The two most common species of rhubarb in North America are Rheum rhaponticum and Rheum rhubarbarum3. Research shows that these two species contain many of the same compounds4. Rheum rhaponticum is the species used in the phytoestrogen extract mentioned above.
The roots of rhubarb available to us in North America are quite a bit smaller than that of Turkey rhubarb. Two varieties of Turkey rhubarb are available through Ricthers herbs with one being touted as more medicinal. They are listed as being hardy in our region of zone 5.
It is the roots that have been most commonly used medicinally. The roots are traditionally dug in October. Traditional preparation of the root in China, from which most of the traditional medicinal varieties originate, is to cut it, and string it on cords to dry in the sun. The drying is completed by the heat of the stove indoors.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7448319/
The extract from Rheum rhaponticum is called ERr731. It is available under the trade name Estrovera by Metagenics. It appears to have an effect primarily on the beta receptors, making it safe with regards to cancer risk. See this post for more on Phytoestrogens.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7448319/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343662617_Rheum_rhaponticum_and_Rheum_rhabarbarum_a_review_of_phytochemistry_biological_activities_and_therapeutic_potential