Rhubarb - Useful Properties, Cultivation And Preparation Of Rhubarb Tincture. Applying Rhubarb Recipes

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43

Rhubarb

Growing and using the beneficial properties of rhubarb in traditional medicine

Botanical characteristics of rhubarb

Rhubarb is a perennial plant with a powerful and developed root system. The root system consists of a short rhizome and large roots extending from it. In the first year of life, the plant develops only a root rosette of leaves, and after a year or two, stems are formed. Powerful, tall stems, reaching up to 3 meters, do not branch much. Outside, the stems have reddish spots. Large root leaves with leaf blades. The leaves located on the stem are smaller in size and have funnels at the base.

Small white-pink flowers are collected in inflorescences - panicles. One inflorescence contains about 8 flowers. The fruit of rhubarb is a brown nut, consisting of 3 sides. Rhubarb bloom begins in early summer, the fruits ripen after a month.

Rhubarb grows in China, Siberia, the CIS and Central Asia and Russia. Prefers to grow in full sun, partial shade, and moist soil.

Growing rhubarb

Rhubarb is a plant that tolerates frost and cold well. On hot days, watering the plant is necessary. However, there should be no stagnation of water in the soil, as this will lead to root rot.

Rhubarb is grown by dividing bushes or seedlings. For seedlings, it is necessary to sow seeds at any time of the year, except for winter. Before the seeds are sown, they must be soaked for 3-4 days in water so that they germinate. Already soaked seeds should be sprinkled on steamed burlap and left in a warm room, covered with damp burlap. After mixing the seeds, they must be dried to a loose state. With such seeds, shoots appear already for 4-5 days.

Seeds are sown in open ground in 2 rows with a distance of 30 cm between them. Immediately after sowing the seeds, you need to mulch the soil with peat or humus. When 20 days have passed from the day of emergence, the seedlings need to be transplanted. After that, slurry is introduced into the soil. As the rain passes, the soil is loosened. When weeds appear, they are immediately removed.

Useful properties of rhubarb

Rhubarb contains many useful substances, such as ascorbic acid, sugars, various organic acids, pectin substances and rutin. At the root of the plant there are groups of biologically active substances that have astringent, antiseptic and action. Rhubarb increases intestinal peristalsis. The plant has diuretic, laxative and choleretic properties.

Rhubarb is used as a vasoconstrictor, anti-inflammatory and improves the functioning of the whole body. Rhubarb is used for constipation, various diseases, soft stools and painful menstruation.

Uses of rhubarb

Rhubarb is used mainly for the preparation of laxatives and teas. Rhubarb root helps with inflammation of the stomach or intestines. In folk medicine, rhubarb root and rhizomes are used for laxative and choleretic effects. Rhubarb is recommended for rectal fissures, jaundice and hemorrhoids. Rhubarb is used in the form of infusions, powder, syrup, broth, tinctures prepared with alcohol or wine.

The plant is used for pulmonary tuberculosis, anemia and sclerosis. Powder from the root of the plant, which is mixed with vinegar, is used for vitiligo and skin diseases. Rhubarb is used internally to increase appetite.

Rhubarb tincture. It is necessary to take the roots of the plant in the amount of 90 grams and fill them with 100 ml of 70% alcohol. Let it brew for 2 weeks. Straining the finished tincture, it will turn out to be a transparent reddish color. The tincture tastes bitter. You need to take the tincture 1 teaspoon twice a day before meals.

Rhubarb powder is a laxative. Take 10 grams of rhubarb and licorice roots, grind everything to a powdery state. For constipation, take a tablespoon after dinner. Often it is impossible to take such a remedy, as addiction to the powder may appear.

Rhubarb contraindications

Rhubarb is contraindicated in cholecystitis, bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract. Pregnant women should refrain from using rhubarb preparations for medicinal purposes, because in this case they will only harm the woman.

The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist

Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).