Turkey Rhubarb Root Powder

Not to be confused with the garden rhubarb used to make pies, medicinal rhubarb plants are large, 10-foot herbaceous perennials native to China and Tibet. Rheum palmatum, as well as its close relative R. officinale, have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and were traded along the Silk Road. Common names such as “Turkey rhubarb” and “Indian rhubarb” refer to old trade routes for medicinal rhubarb from China.

The roots of R. palmatum, or Turkey rhubarb, primarily contain anthraquinones that are laxative and tannins that are astringent. In low doses, rhubarb may be used to naturally help relieve diarrhea; more often, herbalists use rhubarb as a tonic laxative. Notably, Turkey rhubarb is one of the four ingredients in Essiac tea.

Turkey rhubarb root powder is typically encapsulated or taken as a decoction or tincture. Adding honey, sugar and/ or lemon may improve its bitter, unpleasant taste. Also note that rhubarb may turn urine yellow or red.