What are the medicinal actions of Chinese rhubarb root?

- Properties: bitter, cold

- Channels: stomach, large intestine, and liver

- Antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal

- Antidiarrheal (especially in acute cases associated with dampness)

- Laxative (in constipation associated with heat and toxins)

- Promotes digestion and improves appetite

- Clears intestinal heat and toxins

- Cools the blood and clears heat (especially useful for heat-type diarrhea and dysentery)

- Reduces swelling and clears dampness

- Relieves pain (especially abdominal pain)

- Soothes the liver and gallbladder

- Tonifies the spleen

- Antioxidant

- Hypoglycemic

- Immunomodulatory

Western Herbalism

- Bitter tonic (stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, improves digestion, and aids in the absorption of nutrients)

- Laxative (especially useful in cases of constipation with dry, hard stools)

- Cholagogue (promotes the flow of bile from the liver)

- Diuretic (increases the production of urine, helpful for reducing fluid retention)

- Anti-inflammatory

- Antiseptic

- Astringent (tones and tightens tissues, helpful for diarrhea and dysentery)

- Hemostatic (stops bleeding)

- Vulnerary (heals wounds)

Additional Actions:

- Antioxidant: Rhubarb root contains several antioxidant compounds, including anthraquinones, flavonoids, and stilbenes. These compounds help to protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals.

- Hypoglycemic: Rhubarb root has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

- Immunomodulatory: Rhubarb root has been shown to modulate the immune system, helping to improve resistance to infection.