Rhubarb

Rhubarb (Rheum officinale) comes all the way from China. The ancient Chinese discovered that the rhubarb roots were very good at treating different ailments concerning the digestive tract. Nowadays, the aerial parts of the plant, the stems and leaves, are being used all around the world to make pies and compotes because of their discreet flavor and nice texture. The roots are being dug out and sold as good treatment especially for constipation.

Rhubarb is being cultivated in many countries. The rhizomes that can be used as medicine must come from 2-4 years old plants and even older. The plant needs plenty of time and water in order to develop the useful stems and roots.

The Chinese experimented a lot with this plant and came to some useful conclusions. The dried powdered roots have laxative properties and are an excellent digestive tonic. The powder, taken before meals, stimulates the appetite, fights inflammation and infection. Rhubarb can also be made into a tea or decoct and used to treat burns and external inflammations of the skin. 

The Chinese claim that rhubarb can alleviate symptoms in some degenerative diseases like Alzheimer, by potentially improving memory. They also claim that it is useful in treating certain types of cancer and lowering high levels of cholesterol.

The data is still not very conclusive but there are many studies being done on this particular plant because it seems to have very much potential. The benefits on the digestive tract are very real though. Rhubarb does improve blood flow, fights infections and inflammations, has a mild laxative effect in small doses and purgative effect in significant doses. The plant is worth studying, understanding and using.