Rheum Emodi

RHEUM EMODI

Commonly known as Rhubarb, it originally belongs to south eastern Russia. Rhubarb has been around since the ancient years. It was also found in a Chinese herbal remedy, which was found around 2700 BC. It was bought to Europe during current times. It was also found in Britain since the 16th century. Now, it is cultivated within restricted areas of India and Central Africa.
The plant has very strong stems and roots with big radical leaves. The underground stems containing the roots and leaf shoots of the plant; also known as rhizomes are used in the drug.

CHARACTERISTICS OF RHEUM EMODI

Rheum Emodi has small flowers found in greenish to red clusters of flowers arranged on a stem. The leaf stalks of the plant have a strong tart taste. Rheum Emodi is normally used to make pies and desserts. It can also be pickled and dehydrated, and added to certain fruit juices. The roots of Rheum Emodi produce a strong brown dye. Apart from cooking Rheum Emodi can be used as a laxative, that helps relieve constipation.
However, the leaves of Rheum Emodi are toxic. They comprise of oxalic acid which is destructive and corroding in nature. Certain pests may attack the Rheum Emodi plant; they mainly attack the leaves and stalks.

THERAPEUTIC POWERS OF RHEUM EMODI

Use of Rheum Emodi for therapeutic purposes has been traced back to thousands of years by the Chinese. During olden times the roots of the plant were used as a laxative and a dieting aid. The roots of Rheum Emodi were used in Europe and Middle East even during the middle ages and are used in Chinese medicine even today. They have been known to lower blood glucose levels in diabetes.

The herb can act as an:-

• Antispasmodic
• Antiseptic
• Anticholesterolemic
• Antitumor
• Aperients
• Astringent
• Cholagogue
• Cholagogue
• Diuretic
• Stomachic

NUTRIENT COMPOSITION

The stalk of Rheum Emodi consists of considerable amounts of minerals, fat, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and moisture. It also comprises of various vitamins such as iron, calcium, vitamin C and phosphorus.
The rhizomes of Rheum Emodi produce rhaponticin, glucoside and chrysophanic acid. The roots also consist of rhein and emodin. Rhizomes also produce an essential oil which contains eugenoi.

CARE FOR ALIMENTS

Rheum Emodi has been used for medicinal purposes since the times of ancient Chinese. Some of the aliments that this herb can help relieve are:

• Constipation: The herb is capable of relieving mild cases of constipation but not chronic ones. The herb contains tannins and after purgation, it creates an astringent effect which results in constipation.
• Diarrhea: Rheum Emodi has astringent properties; therefore, it can help combat cases of diarrhea; possibly caused by any irritant present in the intestines.
• Children’s Aliments: Rheum Emodi reduces excessive acidity in the digestive tract of children. Excessive consumption of milk could also lead to diarrhea in children; this causes putrefaction and increases the acidity in the stomach. Rheum Emodi does a wonderful job in removing the putrefied faecal matter and eventually reduces the excess acid. There might be some constipation resulting afterwards; however, the motion stops automatically after the bowels are cleansed.
• Poison Ivy: Rheum Emodi, proves to be a valuable home remedy for poison ivy. Raw Rheum Emodi rubbed over the infected area, where the itching occurs; provides relief. If the itching is persistent, the herb can be applied again.
• Other Disorders: Rheum Emodi is also quite useful for relieving lumbago, sore eyes, chronic bronchitis, piles, asthma, chronic lever, coryza, various bruises, pains, and biliousness.

SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONARY TIPS WHILE USING RHEUM EMODI

Rheum Emodi contains certain amounts of oxalic acid which is dangerous. Continuous use could lead to the formation of stones, either in the kidney or in the bladder and distressing nervous symptoms. Rheum Emodi, should be avoided by those patients who have gout, epilepsy, rheumatism, tendency to get wounds, and other related diseases with uric acid. Before using any herb it is advisable to consult a medical practitioner.

PLANET AYURVEDA PRODUCTS THAT USE THIS HERB

Though Planet Ayurveda does not use Rheum Emodi in any of its products, it has other herbal supplements that are very effective in relieving some of the conditions that can be relieved by horseradish. These are:-