Rhubarb Root

History:

Rhubarb Root is a leafy, hardy perennial that is one of many species native to the cool mountains and high plateaus of western and northwestern China, India, Tibet, Russia and Turkey. Rhubarb occurs in commerce under various names (Russian, Turkey, East Indian and Chinese), but the general geographical origin of all species is the same; the commercial names simply refer to the route by which the herb was formerly transported to European markets. The origin of the name of Rhubarb's botanical genus, Rheum, is somewhat vague: Some believe that it is derived from the Latin words, Rha Babrum, an ancient name for the Volga River, where the plant grew in profusion; others claim that it comes to us from the Greek word, rheo, which means "to flow," an allusion to the root's purgative properties (for which it was used in Asia as far back as the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.- A.D.23). In the first century A.D., Dioscorides, the most influential pharmaceutical writer of antiquity, spoke of a root known as rha or rheon, an herb that came from the Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe from Asia. Rhubarb Root was introduced to Europe in 1767, although specimens of another Rhubarb species, Rheum palmatum (also called Turkey Rhubarb/Chinese Rhubarb or Zhang ye da huang, and similar in activity to Rheum rhaponticum), were cultivated as early as 1762, in the Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh; and in the eighteenth century, cultivation of Rheum palmatum was given preference, but the two are frequently used interchangeably, with only minor variations in chemistry. The roots of Rheum officinale are much smaller than those of the Zhang ye da huang and appear more shrunken, spongier, distinctly pink in color, bearing star-shaped spots and thriving in well-drained, moist, humus-rich soil in sun. The familiar, edible garden Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) that we include in our diets is a hybrid that was developed during the nineteenth century, and the roots have no medicinal value. Rhubarb Roots are lifted in autumn from plants that are at least three years of age, then dried and used in herbal preparations. Only the roots/rhizomes of this bitter, astringent, cooling herb are used therapeutically; the leaves are highly poisonous.The herb is also an ingredient in the controversial Essiac formula, which is an herbal mixture that was invented by Canadian nurse, René Caisse (its efficacy has not been established, nor is its use sanctioned by the established medical community). Some of the constituents found in Rhubarb Root include anthraquinone glycosides (the active purgative), tannins (astringents), a "bitter" principle, pectin, rutin, starch, catechin, phytosterol, physcion, gallic acid, oxalic acid, aloe-emodin, rhein (sennosides A and B) and flavones.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) to three (3) capsules, two (2) to three (3) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Pregnant and nursing women should not use Rhubarb Root Herbal Supplement, nor should it be used by those who suffer from colitis or have intestinal obstruction. Long-term use is not recommended, as it may cause dependence and tendency toward chronic constipation, nor should it be taken when the colon is already empty (do not take Rhubarb longer than eight to ten days). People with a history of renal stones or urinary problems should avoid Rhubarb Root (and any herbs with oxalates). Never eat or cook Rhubarb leaves as a food. Oxalates are contained in all parts of Rhubarb plants, especially in the green leaves, and are considered extremely toxic. There is some evidence that anthraquinone glycosides (the active purgative ingredient) are also present and may be partly responsible. The stalks and roots contain low levels of oxalates, so this does not cause problems. Do not take Rhubarb without talking to your doctor first if you are taking blood thinning medicine: examples: warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), aspirin, enoxaparin (Lovenox), dalteparin (Fragmin) or blood disease medication (Sulfinpyrazone). Children under twelve years of age should never take Rhubarb, except under the direct supervision of your family physician. Using Rhubarb Root may temporarily cause the urine to appear yellow or red, but this is a common occurrence and no cause for alarm.

Capsule Information:
Our Rhubarb Root supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 700mgs.

Special Note:
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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.