Rhubarb (Da Huang), a potent herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), possesses heat-clearing and fire-purging, purgative, blood-cooling and detoxifying, and stasis-dispelling properties. It treats constipation, inflammatory conditions, toxic sores, blood stasis syndromes, and damp-heat dysentery.

I. Core Therapeutic Actions

Clears Heat and Drains Fire

Resolves damp-heat or fire-heat conditions (e.g., fever, inflammation).

Purging Accumulations

Stimulates intestinal motility, inhibits water absorption, and relieves constipation.

Cools Blood and Detoxifies

Treats bleeding disorders (hematochezia, hematuria) and toxic heat syndromes.

Dispels Stasis and Unblocks Meridians

Alleviates postpartum abdominal pain or trauma-induced blood stasis.

II. Clinical Indications

Food Stagnation with Constipation

Relieves difficult defecation due to accumulation.

Red Eyes and Sore Throat

Reduces conjunctival congestion and pharyngitis.

Toxic Sores and Abscesses

Drains toxic heat, resolving skin redness, pain, or suppuration.

Blood Stasis Syndromes

Postpartum stasis, traumatic injuries.

Damp-Heat Dysentery

Clears intestinal damp-heat, reducing abdominal pain and diarrhea.

III. Pharmacological Insights

Active Compounds: Anthraquinones (e.g., emodin, rhein) drive laxative and anti-inflammatory effects.

Antibacterial Action: Inhibits pathogens causing dysentery.

Critical Precautions

Toxicity Risk:

Avoid long-term/high-dose use due to potential hepatotoxicity and electrolyte imbalance.

Contraindications:

Spleen deficiency with cold intolerance : May worsen diarrhea or fatigue.

Pregnancy, menstruation, or intestinal obstruction.

Usage Principle:

Strictly follow TCM practitioner guidance. Self-prescription risks severe side effects.

Professional Reminder

Rhubarb’s potency demands precise pattern differentiation . Never substitute self-medication for professional care.

Respect its power; respect your body.