Rheum rhabarbarum vs Rheum officinale

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Rheum rhabarbarum

Digestive

Digestive

Rheum rhabarbarum

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Rheum officinale

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Familiar garden plant whose root is used medicinally in TCM and Western herbalism for constipation and liver conditions.

Classic TCM herb (Da Huang) for constipation, liver conditions, and as anti-inflammatory; stronger than culinary rhubarb.

Active Compounds

emodin, rhein, aloe-emodin, tannins, gallic acid

emodin, rhein, aloe-emodin, anthraquinones, tannins, stilbenoids

Traditional Uses

Constipation in TCM, Liver detoxification, Heat clearing, Digestive complaints

constipation, liver conditions, inflammation, infections, diarrhea (small dose)

Modern Uses

Laxative effects, Hepatoprotective, Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial

laxative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective

Adult Dosage

1-4 g dried root for laxative; 0.5-1 g tonic dose

1-3g dried root for laxative; 0.5-1g for digestive tonic

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Intestinal obstruction, Inflammatory bowel disease, Long-term use causes dependence

pregnancy, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal obstruction, kidney disease

Side Effects

Diarrhea, Electrolyte imbalance with long-term use, Uterine stimulation

diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance, GI cramping, kidney stones with excess

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E