Guest guest Posted January 1, 2008 Report Share Posted January 1, 2008  ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Alternative medicine: Rhubarb Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:05:13 By Khashayar, MD., Press TV, Tehran Rhubarb is used for its astringent effect on the mucous membrane of the mouth and the nasal cavity and for its strong laxative quality. Botanical: Rheum officinale or R. palmatum Family: N.O. Polygonaceeae Synonym: Garden Rhubarb, Bastard Rhubarb, Sweet Round-leaved Dock Habitat: Rhubarb is the root of different Rheum species which grow in the mountains of the western and northwestern provinces of China and in Tibet. Description: Rheum species are herbaceous perennials with hermaphrodite flowers that grow from thick short rhizomes. The plant has large triangular shaped leaves with long fleshy petioles. Part Used Medicinally: A consistent characteristic of rhubarb is the toxicity of its leaves and roots. Rhubarb leaves contain high amounts of oxalic acid a potentially deadly poison. The stem is the only edible part of the plant. Constituents: Rhubarb is 95 percent water and has folic acid, calcium, potassium and a modest amount of vitamins C and A. It does not contain a great deal of fiber and is low in calorie and very acidic. Medicinal Uses: Rhubarb is frequently added to herbal mixtures to enhance the effects of gallbladder and liver remedies. Rhubarb is a unique dual-purpose remedy: The tannis principles predominate when consumed in low doses have the effect of a mild bitter tonic and are used to treat diarrhea and bacillus dysentery. When consumed in higher doses the purgative effect of the anthranoids predominates and is therefore used as a laxative. Chewing rhubarb increases saliva flow. Rhubarb seed decoction relieves stomachaches and increases the appetite. A strong decoction of the root heals skin sores and scabs, especially scrofulous sores. Rhubarb is an effective diuretic and used to treat kidney stones, diabetic nephropathy, chronic renal failure, pregnancy-induced hypertension, gout, and liver diseases particularly jaundice. Chinese use rhubarb as an ulcer remedy and consider it a treatment for cancer, fever, upper gastro intestinal bleeding and headache. Rhubarb is used to treat toothaches and is also an effective anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial herb. Preparation: Rhubarb tea Steep a teaspoonful of the coarsely powdered herb in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes, then strain. Two cups of the tea should be consumed in the evening. Aqueous rhubarb tincture A teaspoonful of the remedy should be taken as a stomachic; a tablespoonful works as a laxative. Rhubarb syrup A teaspoonful of the syrup works as a laxative in children. Caution: Allergic reactions can occur in sensitive individuals. Poisonous rhubarb leaves impair hemostasis and cause nausea and vomiting. Toxicity symptoms include diarrhea, intestinal cramping and bright yellow or red urine. Rhubarb should not be used as a laxative for more than 8 -10 days; long-term use may deplete potassium and potentiate the effects of cardiac glycosides. It may also lead to pigmentation of the intestinal mucosa (melanosis coli). Rhubarb is not recommended for patients with chronic intestinal inflammations like gastric or duodenal ulcers, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Patients with intestinal obstruction or ileus should not use the herb. Its high tannin content may upset the stomach and cause renal damage, hepatic necrosis and increase the risk of esophageal and nasal cancer. Due to its oxalate content it should be avoided or used with great caution by patients with a history of renal stones. Oxalic acid combines with calcium in blood, forming insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that may be deposited in the kidneys, leading to renal stones. Rhubarb may potentiate other laxatives. It may increase potassium loss when used with steroids. Because of its putative effect as a uterine stimulant, rhubarb is not recommended during pregnancy. Rhubarb contains anthraquinone alkaloids and should not be consumed by nursing women. It is also not recommended for children less than twelve years old. PKH/HGH Home | About Us | Feedback | Contact Us © Press TV 2007. All rights reserved. Our privacy Policy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2009 Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 > > hi bee, i'm sure you are tired of being peppered with questions about > which vegetable is alright. > my dear friend has begun the program, and has been on atkins, which > certainly allows more foods. > i was curious about rhubarb, as she tells me it is a vegetable and > very low in carbohydrates, and > would be wonderful cooked with lots of butter. +++Hi . You can help me by looking up the amount of carbs rhubarb contains after the fibres are subtracted, on www.fitday.com Thanks, Bee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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