Rhubarb is considered a vegetable, but it has various uses in Ayurvedic medicines. The herb has various medicinal properties as it used as an astringent tonic ans as purgative. The stimulating property is very effective in treatment of atonic dyspepsia.
It is found in Himlayan mountains at a height of 3200 to 5200 meters. The botanical name of the herb is Rheum rhabarbarum and belongs to the family Polygonaceae. Other common names of the herb are Himalayan Rhubarb, Thuzna, Indian Rhubarb and Revat Chinni. Seeds of Rhubarb are usually used for medicinal purposes and its stalk also has various medicinal uses. Leaves of the plant are toxic.
Rhubarb Benefits
The herb has following benefits in Ayurveda medicines –
- Purgative and astringent — The herb is used as a purgative and an astringent tonic. The stimulating effect of the herb makes it beneficial for atonic dyspepsia.
- Laxative — The herb is used as a laxative for about 5000 years. Roots are especially used as a laxative. On the mucous membranes of nasal cavity and mouth, the roots have an astringent like effect.
- Organic compounds — The herb has anthraquinones like rhein and emodin. These are cathartic in nature and laxatives. Hence, the herb is also used as a slimming agent.
- Dye — The herb is used to prepare a strong dye to color hair.
- Food – Rhubarb is also used in foods to prepare jams and sauces.
- Insecticide — Leaves have toxic substances, hence these are used to prepare insecticides for leaf feeding insects.
Cautions for Rhubarb
- Leaves of Rhubarb should never be eaten as it contains oxalate, which is a toxic compound. It is a corrosive acid and a nephrotoxic compound.
- Anthraquinone glycoside is another unidentified poison found in leaves.
