HerbMate
Chinese Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) plant
Digestive

Chinese Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum)

Photo: Roger Culos · CC BY-SA 3.0

  • Digestive
  • 5 conditions
  • Licensed photo

Overview

Chinese rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) is a thick-rhizomed perennial, growing up to 10 ft (3 m) tall, with large, palmate leaves and small flowers. It has been used in Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years.

Traditional uses & properties

Constituents: The rhizome contains anthraquinones and tannins.

Safety & precautions

Pregnancy & Nursing: Avoid due to its stimulant and potential toxic effects in large doses. Children: Not suitable; can be harsh on digestion. Kidney Stones & Gout: High oxalic acid content can aggravate these conditions.

Educational reference only - not medical advice. Herbs can interact with medications. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use. Full disclaimer.

Drug interactions

Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.

Habitat

Native to China and Tibet, the plant is cultivated and found in the wild. Seeds are sown in spring, rhizomes are harvested in autumn after 6-10 years of growth once leaves yellow.

Traditionally used for

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Frequently asked questions

What is Chinese Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) traditionally used for?

Traditional sources describe Chinese Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) as follows: Constituents: The rhizome contains anthraquinones and tannins.

What safety cautions apply to Chinese Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum)?

Pregnancy & Nursing: Avoid due to its stimulant and potential toxic effects in large doses. Children: Not suitable; can be harsh on digestion. Kidney Stones & Gout: High oxalic acid content can aggravate these conditions.