The rhizomes and stalks of the rhubarb plant have been used in herbal medicines for centuries, and recent studies regarding the chemical and nutritional elements of these elements of the plant support the notion that they can be used as a natural treatment for a variety of conditions. Rhubarb is particularly effective at interacting with the digestive system. Though rhubarb can be used to treat gastrointestinal ailments, improper dosage or preparation of the plant is linked to diarrhea and further intestinal discomfort. Always consult your doctor before using rhubarb to treat any medical condition.
Medicinal Rhubarb
Practitioners of herbal medicine use extracts from the roots and stalks of rhubarb to treat a range of chronic illnesses with varying degrees of effectiveness. One of the most common uses of rhubarb in herbal medicine is to treat gastrointestinal discomfort, including both constipation and diarrhea. Though eating rhubarb in its natural state can lead to the the same medicinal effects, more common methods of ingestion in medicine include tinctures, extracts and powders made from the roots and stalks of the plant. Exact dosages for effective use and treatment have no been scientifically researched for human consumption. When used for loose stools, an incorrect dosage can result in even more aggravated diarrhea.
Laxative Effects
The stalks and roots of rhubarb plants contain concentrations of anthraquinones, organic compounds that are routinely extracted for use in commercial medicinal laxatives. The tart, mouth-puckering flavor of rhubarb is the result of tannins, an acid that shows antibacterial and antiparasidic effects. The combination of these two elements makes rhubarb an effective laxative. When used as a treatment for constipation, rhubarb assists in intestinal motility, but if rhubarb is taken as a laxative when it is not needed, or if the dosage is not tuned to your medicinal needs, diarrhea is a side effect that can be severe enough to lead to dehydration.
Anti-diarrheal Effects
Though rhubarb's laxative effects have been scientifically documented, additional research has also revealed that some dosages of rhubarb extract also have the opposite effect and can be used to treat chronically loose stools. A 2011 study published in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" reported that repeated dosages of a concentrated tannin extract removed from rhubarb had an antidiarrhoeal effect that varied in significance depending on the dosage of the extract. The same study also confirmed the laxative effects of rhubarb extract, suggesting that different concentrations and dosages could be used to both induce and treat loose stools, depending on the health needs of the patient.
Risks and Contraindications
Since no scientifically supported standard dosages exist for rhubarb treatments, it is possible that rhubarb may cause unwanted diarrhea or constipation. When used as a laxative, rhubarb treatments are also linked to additional digestive discomfort, including nausea and cramping. Some chronic digestive conditions like Crohn's or bowel disease can be significantly aggravated by rhubarb supplements, so only undertake rhubarb treatments under the suggestion and supervision of your doctor. Since high concentrations of rhubarb extracts can cause uterine contractions, pregnant women shouldn't take medicinal rhubarb. If you have low potassium, rhubarb's laxative effects may worsen your condition, especially if you are taking additional diuretics.
References
- "Herb Contraindications And Drug Interactions, Second Edition"; Francis J. Brinker; 1998
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; The Diarrhoeogenic and Antidiarrhoeal Bidirectional Effects of Rhubarb and Its Potential Mechanism; Y. Qin et al.; 2011
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Rhubarb
