The Efficacy and Function of Rhubarb (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma)

Nov 27, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, raw rhubarb (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) has effects including moistening the intestines to relieve constipation, clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and relieving pain, promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis, and antibacterial anti-inflammatory actions. It should be taken in appropriate amounts strictly according to medical instructions. During treatment, one should carefully observe bodily reactions, adjust the dosage as directed by a physician, maintain healthy lifestyle habits, and avoid consuming excessively greasy or irritating foods, such as pepper, chili peppers, and garlic.

Generally speaking, the effects and functions of raw rhubarb include moistening the intestines to relieve constipation, clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and relieving pain, promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis, and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. It should be taken in appropriate amounts under medical guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Moisturizing the Intestines to Relieve Constipation

Raw rhubarb contains abundant rhein and quinone compounds, which can stimulate intestinal peristalsis, enhance intestinal propulsion, and thereby increase bowel movements. It is particularly effective in treating constipation, especially constipation caused by excessive internal heat and stagnation.

2. Clearing Heat and Detoxifying

Raw rhubarb has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, effectively removing internal heat toxins. It is commonly used to treat symptoms such as persistent high fever, sore throat, and oral ulcers.

3. Reducing Swelling and Relieving Pain

Raw rhubarb can reduce swelling and relieve pain. It not only promotes local tissue blood circulation, alleviates local congestion and edema, but also helps relieve symptoms such as bruises, sprains, and rheumatic pain.

4. Promoting Blood Circulation and Removing Blood Stasis

Raw rhubarb has a good effect in promoting blood circulation and resolving blood stasis. It can be used to treat pain caused by blood stasis obstruction, irregular menstruation, and amenorrhea.

5. Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Raw rhubarb contains rich antibacterial components such as flavonoids, which can inhibit bacteria and fungi. Therefore, raw rhubarb can be used as an adjunct in treating infectious diseases such as damp-heat diarrhea and jaundice with red urine.

However, although raw rhubarb has many benefits, excessive intake at one time may cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea, so appropriate dosage is essential. To avoid unnecessary harm to the body, it is recommended to use raw rhubarb under the guidance of a qualified traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. During treatment, it is important to monitor bodily reactions, adjust the dosage according to medical advice, maintain healthy lifestyle habits, and avoid consuming excessively greasy or spicy foods such as Sichuan pepper, chili peppers, and garlic, to facilitate recovery.

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What medications can hemorrhoid patients take to reduce swelling and relieve pain?

In general, patients with hemorrhoids can achieve swelling reduction and pain relief by taking medications such as Jiuyi Hemorrhoid Capsules, Xiaozhong Hemorrhoid Tablets, Hemorrhoid Hemostatic Pills, Hemorrhoid Tablets, and Ibuprofen Tablets as prescribed. Jiuyi Hemorrhoid Capsules are a traditional Chinese medicine composed of Rubus niveus, Sanguisorba officinalis, Polygonum cuspidatum, Coptis chinensis, Taxillus delavayi, Ficus carica leaf, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Chrysanthemum morifolium, and other ingredients. It has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, drying dampness and reducing swelling, cooling blood, and stopping bleeding.