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Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum)

Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum)

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

About

Rhubarb is a plant. The root and underground stem (rhizome) are used to make medicine.

Rhubarb is used primarily for digestive complaints including constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, stomach pain, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, and preparation for certain GI diagnostic procedures. Some people use rhubarb so they have to strain less during bowel movements; this reduces pain from hemorrhoids or tears in the skin lining the anal canal (anal fissures).

Rhubarb is sometimes applied to the skin to treat cold sores.

In food, rhubarb stems are eaten in pie and other recipes. Rhubarb is also used as a flavoring agent.

How does it work?

Rhubarb contains several chemicals which might help heal cold sores.

Traditionally used for

Stomach bleeding.
Cold sores.
Kidney failure.
Constipation.
Gum disease.
Gonorrhea.
High cholesterol.
Kidney disease (nephritic syndrome).
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Obesity.
High blood pressure during pregnancy.
Life-threatening infection (sepsis).
Recovery after surgery.
Indigestion.
Stomach pain.
Hemorrhoids.
Diarrhea.

Dosage

For treatment of cold sores: a cream containing 23 mg/gram each of rhubarb extract and sage extract applied every 2 to 4 hours while awake, with treatment starting within one day of symptom appearance and continuing for 10 to 14 days.

Possible Side Effects

Rhubarb is SAFE when the root is consumed as food. It is SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts for up to 3 months.

Long-term use can result in muscular weakness, bone loss, potassium loss, and irregular heart rhythm.

Special Precautions & Warnings

Children: Rhubarb is POSSIBLY UNSAFE for children. There is one report of a 4-year-old who ate rhubarb leaves and died. Rhubarb leaves contain a lot of oxalic acid, which can be deadly if taken in large enough doses. Because of their small size, children are at highest risk for oxalic poisoning after eating rhubarb leaves.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Rhubarb is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used in amounts greater than those found in foods.

Diarrhea or constipation: Rhubarb can make diarrhea or constipation worse, depending on the preparation used.

Gastrointestinal (GI) conditions: Don't take rhubarb if you have a bowel obstruction; appendicitis; unexplained stomach pain; or inflammatory conditions of the intestines including Crohn's disease, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Kidney disease: There is a chemical in rhubarb that might harm the kidneys. In fact, a supplement that contained rhubarb has been linked to one report of kidney failure. If you already have kidney disease, don't risk making it worse by taking rhubarb.

Kidney stones: Rhubarb contains a chemical that the body can convert into kidney stones. If you have ever had kidney stones, don't take rhubarb.

Liver problems: Rhubarb can make liver function worse in people who already have liver problems. People who have liver problems should avoid rhubarb.

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