Current production

Although we tend to think of rhubarb as a food that is seen in gardens and markets in late spring, it has only been since the reign of King Pelgor the Virile (1814-1806) that rhubarb stalks were used as a fruit in Lancre. In fact, the first time a grower brought rhubarb stalks to a market, he was only able to sell 3 bunches out of 5. Rhubarb root, however, was well known as a medicinal and had been used for this purpose for more than 2000 years.

The rhubarb that is most prized for its medicinal action is Rheum palmatum, which originally came from the Agathean Empire. It reached Ramtops through trade over Circle Sea where it received its common name, Klachtian rhubarb. This rhubarb grows as a much bigger plant than our common garden rhubarb, R. rhabarbarum, and has a stronger purgative action. Under the right conditions, Klachtian rhubarb can grow up to 11 feet and have a root weighing up to 35 pounds. Common or Ramtops rhubarb has a stronger astringent action than Klachtian rhubarb.

For medicinal purposes the root of the plant is used. The best roots are at least 6 years old and are harvested in October. The roots are sliced and hung to dry initially. Complete drying is done by heat from ovens. The active constituents are anthraquinone glycosides, tannins, calcium oxalate, resins and minerals. Rhubarb root has a bitter taste and a cold, drying energy. In small amounts it may be used to strengthen digestion as any bitter herb could. It is also helpful in relieving diarrhea because of its astringency, due to the tannins. In larger doses it becomes a purgative from the stimulating action on the intestinal tract of the anthraquinone glycosides.

Klachtian rhubarb is one of the ingredients in Yabba Gaja's well-known "All-prupose-super-remedy-for-just-about-everything-all-sales-are-final-no-money-back-guarantee-it's-not-my-fault-you-didn't-read-the-fine-print formula". This formula helps the body remove built up waste products and improves digestion. In this way the body is able to rid itself of degenerative tissue and replace it with healthy tissue. Although Yabba's formula was used most often originally to improve symptoms from hangover, it may be used for other conditions that would benefit from healthier detoxifying systems in the body as well.

In Agathean herbal medicine, rhubarb is used to clear heat from the liver, stomach, and blood because of its cold energy. Heat in the stomach is believed to cause conditions like acid reflux, ulcers, mouth sores and gum disease. Heat in the blood produces symptoms of dysentery or high fever. Rhubarb is also used, in some instances, to move stagnant blood, which causes pain in the area of stagnation. Because good digestion and the ability for the body to use the nutrients it gets, as well as, proper elimination of wastes is the foundation for good health , herbs that can improve any part of the process are important in preserving health^*.

It is difficult to give a general dose for rhubarb. One person may only need a small amount to produce the same effect as another person who needs 2-3 times as much. For this reason, each person must find the amount that works best for him. Rhubarb root is available in powdered form, as tincture and sliced. Small doses of 5-10 drops of tincture will help stop diarrhea, and is the number one choice to treat bacillary dysentery. One ml is a good liver stimulant and a gentle laxative. Higher doses up to one-half teaspoonful (2.5ml) gives a purgative effect and should only be used occasionally and not in weak individuals. Tea may be made by the decoction method from root slices or powder. The amount of root or powder used will determine the strength. A weak decoction contains up to 0.5 g of root. A strong decoction may have as much as 3 g (0.1 oz.) per dose.

When higher doses are used, it may be helpful to add carminative herbs like mint or fennel to reduce intestinal cramps. Agathean medicine adds Glubber’s salts at the end of the decoction for this purpose as well as warming herbs like cinnamon or ginger to balance the cold energy of the rhubarb. Strong rhubarb tea has also been used externally to treat boils as a compress. It seems to have some antibacterial action along with its astringency.

There are certain instances when rhubarb should not be used. It should be avoided in pregnancy because of its stimulating action on smooth muscle including the uterus. It should also be avoided in people who are prone to kidney stones because of the oxalic acid in the plant, which may easily lead to calcium oxalate stones, the most common type of kidney stones. Gouty conditions and rheumatoid arthritis may be aggravated for the same reason. The leaves should not be eaten or used for any internal purposes, as they are toxic. Prolonged use of high doses is not recommended, as the process of elimination will become dependent on the herb and the body will be weakened by such strong action.

Rhubarb is a paradoxical plant. It helps both diarrhea and constipation and is very important in strengthening digestion, thereby improving overall health. It is a powerful medicinal and should be used with respect. Traditionally it has been used with success in people of all ages from infants to the elderly. The important thing to remember is to find the dose that will work and to start with the lower end of the scale.

Last updated: 5 February 2002