What is the effect of rhubarb?
Everyone is certainly familiar with garden rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum): its stalks have been used in many kitchens as a topping or compote since the 18th century. Dried rhubarb roots have been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for much longer.
The rhubarb varieties used medicinally today are medicinal rhubarb (Rheum palmatum), Chinese rhubarb (R. officinale) and Siberian or rhapontic rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum).
Medicinal rhubarb and Chinese rhubarb
The roots of medicinal rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) and Chinese rhubarb (R. officinale) are medically recognized for the short-term treatment of occasional constipation.
The medicinal plants can also be used in cases where an easier bowel movement is desired – for example for hemorrhoids, anal fissures or after operations on the rectum. Alcoholic extracts of rhubarb root are also used externally for inflammation of the gums and oral mucosa.
Siberian or rhapontic rhubarb
What ingredients does rhubarb contain?
The most important ingredients in the rhubarb roots of R. palmatum and R. officinale include anthranoids (“anthraquinones”): They have a laxative effect – presumably by stimulating the contractions of the intestinal wall and thus the further transportation of the intestinal contents.
Also important are the tannins with their astringent, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Other ingredients include stilbene glucosides, flavonoids, resins and starch.
The special extract from the roots of rhapontic rhubarb contains rhaponticin, a stilbene derivative with an estrogen-like effect, as its main active ingredient. The anthraquinones also contained in the roots, which have a laxative effect, are removed during the production of the special extract.
How can you use rhubarb?
There are various ways to use rhubarb.
Rhubarb as a home remedy
You can make a tea from the dried roots of medicinal and Chinese rhubarb for constipation and to ease bowel movements (e.g. haemorrhoids).
You can also add other medicinal plants to the tea preparation, for example caraway (against flatulence).
Home remedies based on medicinal plants have their limits. If your symptoms persist over a longer period of time and do not improve or even get worse despite treatment, you should always consult a doctor.
Ready-made preparations with rhubarb
Ready-made preparations based on rhubarb are taken according to the instructions on the package leaflet and the recommendations of your doctor or pharmacist.
Alcoholic extracts of rhubarb root are suitable for brushing onto inflamed areas of the gums or oral mucosa.
For menopausal symptoms, you can take tablets containing the special extract from the roots of Rhapontic rhubarb. Please read the package leaflet and ask your doctor or pharmacist about the type and duration of use.
What side effects can rhubarb cause?
When rhubarb root (R. palmatum, R. officinale) is used as intended as a laxative, cramp-like gastrointestinal complaints and diarrhea may occur in rare cases. In this case, reduce the dose.
Rhapontic rhubarb-based preparations for the relief of menopausal symptoms rarely trigger hypersensitivity reactions of the skin such as redness, swelling and itching.
What you should bear in mind when using rhubarb
- When taking rhubarb root as a laxative, always adhere to the recommended dosage and duration of use!
- Ingredients of the medicinal plant irritate the intestinal mucosa, which is why rhubarb root should not be used for longer than one to two weeks. Otherwise the effect may be reversed and the intestinal sluggishness may increase.
- If misused (too long and/or too high a dose), the body loses too much water and mineral salts (electrolytes) – especially potassium, which can result in cardiac dysfunction and muscle weakness.
- The simultaneous use of certain diuretics (thiazide diuretics), adrenal cortical steroids or licorice root increases the loss of potassium and thus the resulting side effects. It is therefore not advisable to take them at the same time.
- The potassium deficiency resulting from the laxative effect of rhubarb root can increase the effect of certain heart medications (digitalis preparations and antiarrhythmic drugs).
- Babies can eat rhubarb from around the eighth month.
Rhubarb root should not be taken as a laxative in the following cases:
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding
- Children under the age of twelve
- Intestinal obstruction
- appendicitis
- Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis
Preparations containing rhapontic rhubarb for menopausal symptoms must not be taken in the following cases
- existing or suspected pregnancy
- breastfeeding
- endometriosis
- estrogen-dependent tumor disease (such as breast cancer)
- Tissue changes in the breast
- unexplained bleeding from the vagina
Rhapontic rhubarb preparations must not be used for longer than four months without medical advice.
How to obtain rhubarb and its products
You can obtain powdered rhubarb root and various ready-to-use preparations based on the medicinal plant from your pharmacy. Discuss the use of rhubarb with your doctor or pharmacist and read the relevant package leaflet.
You can buy rhubarb as a food in the supermarket or grow it yourself in the garden.
