Rhubarb is the dried root and rhizome of Rheum palmatum L., Rheum tanguticum Maxim. ex Balf. or Rheum officinale Baill. (Fam. Polygonaceae).

Action: To cause catharsis and purge away heat. to reduce heat in blood and counteract toxicity, and to eliminate blood stasis and stimulate menstrual discharge.
Radix et Rhizoma Rhei (stir-fried with wine): To remove toxic heat from the blood in the upper portion of the body.
Radix et Rhizoma Rhei (prepared): To purge away heat and remove toxic substances, but with less cathartic effect.
Radix et Rhizoma Rhei (carbonized): To reduce heat in blood, remove blood stasis, and arrest bleeding.

Indications: Fever with constipation, retention of the feces and abdominal pain; dysentery with inadequate discharge from the bowels; jaundice caused by damp-heat; spitting of blood, epistaxis, inflammation of eye and swelling of the throat due to heat in the blood; appendicitis with abdominal pain; boils, sores and abscess; amenorrhea due to blood stasis; traumatic injuries; hemorrhage from the upper gastrointestinal tract. External use for scalds and burns.
Radix et Rhizoma Rhei (stir-fried with wine): Inflammation of the eye, swelling of the throat and painful swelling of the gums.
Radix et Rhizoma Rhei (prepared): Boils, sores and abscess.
Radix et Rhizoma Rhei (carbonized): Hemorrhage with blood stasis due to heat in the blood.

Usage: Not to be decocted for a long time if it is used for catharsis; for external use, appropriate quantity to be ground into powder for topical application after mixing with liquid.

Precaution: Used with caution in pregnancy.