Rhubarb root is alterative, anthelmintic, antibiotic, antiinflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aperient, astringent, bitter, cathartic, cholagogue, diuretic, emmenagogue, haemostatic, laxative, liver stimulant, purgative, sedative, sialagogue, stomachic and tonic. Rhubarb Root has a purgative action for use in the treatment of constipation, but also has an astringent effect too. It, therefore, has a truly cleansing action upon the gut, removing debris and then astringing with antiseptic properties as well. The primary chemical constituents of Rhubarb include anthraquinones, chrysophanol, emodin, physcion, sennidine, rheidine, palmmidine, tannins, catechin, gallic acid, oxalic acid, rutin, phytosterol, and calcium oxalate. It is the anthraquinones that contribute to the laxative and purgative properties of Rhubarb, yet the tannin content helps balance those properties, and even stops diarrhoea. Rhubarb also strengthens the liver and is useful in phlegmatic cough, atonic dyspepsia, cirrhosis, jaundice and oedema. Rhubarb also promotes blood circulation in the pelvic cavity and is, therefore, useful as a treatment for dysmenorrhoea, especially when there is heavy clotting. Also useful in amenorrhoea.
