Rhubarb

Rheum(?)

Other names: Rhubarb

Edible plant

Georgian

Photo credit: sprungli

Safety information

Toxicity: Roots are anthraquinone-containing laxatives — overuse causes cramping, electrolyte loss (general knowledge). NOTE: rhubarb leaf blades (a different part) are toxic (oxalic acid) — not the part used here.

Contraindications: (General knowledge) intestinal obstruction, pregnancy, lactation, children; avoid chronic use.

Interactions: (General knowledge) anthraquinone laxatives + diuretics/cardiac glycosides → hypokalemia risk.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: (General knowledge) avoid.

Evidence level

Folk

Reported in folk medicine sources; not clinically validated. Folk and historical sources have not been validated by clinical research.

Preparations

cold maceration · root

Part used: root

Traditional use: against intermittent fever ('ციება', malaria-type fevers); root soaked overnight, water drunk, root saved and reused(Folk and historical sources have not been validated by clinical research.)

Proposed mechanism: Anthraquinone-containing laxative root (general knowledge)

Evidence:Folk

General preparation guide →

Associated conditions

Malaria

Edibility

Edible parts: Petioles of cultivated rhubarb are edible cooked, but that is NOT the medicinal root use here.

Toxic lookalike warning

Rhubarb leaf blades are poisonous (oxalic acid); do not confuse the laxative root with edible stalks (wrong-part warning).

Nutritional notes

Petioles: vitamin C, fiber (general).

Healing traditions

Georgian

Sources (1)

Lamberti 1991 + karabadini refs (Kananeli 1940), in Mindadze, Masalebi 2020, N1

All sources →