Turkey Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum)
What it is: The leaves of the turkey rhubarb are somewhat rough. The root is thick, oval shaped, and sends off long, tapering branches. Externally, turkey rhubarb is brown, internally; it has a deep yellow color. The long thick root, brownish on the outside, is full of reddish veins inside. It is similar to garden rhubarb, and flowers early to midsummer. Also known as East Indian rhubarb or Chinese rhubarb (Da-Huang), it has been used in China for more than 2,000 years.
Unproven medicinal virtues: Rhubarb is used as an appetite stimulant and for digestion problems and painful teething. External uses include burn treatment and skin conditions. In China, rhubarb is used for delirium, edema, amenorrhea and abdominal pain. Efficacy for digestion problems is plausible because of the tannin content. Rhubarb provides a laxative effect that causes stimulation of intestinal peristalsis.
Where to find it: The plant is indigenous to the western and northwestern provinces of China and is cultivated in many regions around the world. The main producers are China and Russia.
What it is: The leaves of the turkey rhubarb are somewhat rough. The root is thick, oval shaped, and sends off long, tapering branches. Externally, turkey rhubarb is brown, internally; it has a deep yellow color. The long thick root, brownish on the outside, is full of reddish veins inside. It is similar to garden rhubarb, and flowers early to midsummer. Also known as East Indian rhubarb or Chinese rhubarb (Da-Huang), it has been used in China for more than 2,000 years.
Unproven medicinal virtues: Rhubarb is used as an appetite stimulant and for digestion problems and painful teething. External uses include burn treatment and skin conditions. In China, rhubarb is used for delirium, edema, amenorrhea and abdominal pain. Efficacy for digestion problems is plausible because of the tannin content. Rhubarb provides a laxative effect that causes stimulation of intestinal peristalsis.
Where to find it: The plant is indigenous to the western and northwestern provinces of China and is cultivated in many regions around the world. The main producers are China and Russia.