The efficacy and function of rhubarb[picture]

We know that there are many kinds of Chinese medicinal materials, and rhubarb [picture] is one of them. In order for rhubarb [picture] to play its role correctly and scientifically, it is necessary to master its consumption method, because different medicinal materials have their own unique nutrition and efficacy. Let’s study it below.

【English name】 RADIX ET RHIZOMA RHEI

[Source] This product is Rheum palmatum L. , a plant of the Polygonaceae family. , Rheum tanguticum Maxim. ex Balf. Or medicinal rhubarb Rheum officinale Baill. Dried roots and rhizomes . Dig up when the stems and leaves wither in late autumn or before sprouting in the following spring, remove the fine roots, scrape off the outer skin, cut into petals or sections, string them into strings and dry them or dry them directly.

[Properties] This product is cylindrical, conical, oval or irregular in shape, 3 to 17 cm long and 3 to 10 cm in diameter. The surface of the tube without the outer skin is yellow-brown to reddish-brown, and some have white reticular texture and scattered stars (heteromorphic vascular bundles). The remaining outer skin is brown, with many rope holes and coarse wrinkles. The texture is solid, some are slightly soft in the center, the cross section is light reddish brown or yellowish brown, and granular; the pith of the rhizome is broad, with star-shaped rings or scattered spots; the root wood is well developed, with radial texture, obvious cambium rings, and no star-shaped spots. It has a light fragrance, a bitter and slightly astringent taste, and sticks to the teeth and feels like sand when chewed.

【Identification】 (1) Cross section of this product: the cork layer and the cortex have mostly been removed. The phloem sieve tube groups are obvious and the parenchyma is well developed. The cambium is ring-shaped. The xylem rays are dense, 2 to 4 rows of cells wide, and contain brown material; the vessels are non-lignified, often 1 to several clusters together, and sparsely arranged. The thin-walled cells contain clusters of calcium oxalate crystals and numerous starch granules.

[Content determination] Determine according to the high performance liquid chromatography method (Appendix Ⅵ D).

[Preparation] Remove impurities from rhubarb, wash, soak thoroughly, cut into thick slices or blocks, and dry.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter, cold.

[entry into meridians] Enter the spleen, stomach, large intestine, liver, and pericardium meridians.

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and clears the intestines, cools the blood and detoxifies, removes blood stasis and dredges the menstruation. It is used for constipation due to excess heat, abdominal pain due to accumulation of food, uncomfortable diarrhea, jaundice due to damp-heat, vomiting and bleeding due to blood heat, red eyes, swollen throat, abdominal pain due to intestinal abscess, carbuncle, furuncle, amenorrhea due to blood stasis, bruises, external treatment of burns caused by water or fire; and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Wine and rhubarb are good at clearing heat and toxins from the blood in the upper part of the body. Used for red eyes, swollen throat, and swollen and painful gums. Cooked rhubarb has a slow laxative effect, and can clear heat and detoxify. Used for fire poison sores. Rhubarb charcoal cools blood, removes blood stasis and stops bleeding. Used for blood heat and bleeding syndrome with blood stasis.

[Usage and Dosage] 3-30g, used for purgation and should not be boiled for a long time. For external use, apply appropriate amount, grind into powder and apply to the affected area.

【Note】 Use with caution during pregnancy.

【Storage】Place in ventilated and dry place to prevent moth.

【Preparation】 Rhubarb fluid extract

【Excerpt】 Chinese Pharmacopoeia

[Source] "Ben Jing"

The above describes some ways to eat rhubarb [picture]. Although many medicinal herbs can be eaten, we must remind everyone that Chinese medicines generally cannot be taken indiscriminately and should be used according to your own situation.