Rhubarb plant: useful properties and its use, contraindications

Rhubarb belongs to the buckwheat family. The place of growth is Central China. The plant at home is very popular, because rhubarb has an extensive list of useful properties. Culture has been cultivated for a very long time. The first references were found in herbal books created in the 27th century BC.

Description of rhubarb

The plant is distinguished by powerful perennial roots, while its upper part (the one that rises above the ground) is annual. The height of the stem usually reaches 1 meter, but there are cases when the length reached 2.5 meters.Inside the stem is hollow, it contains both basal and stem leaves. The outer coloration is green, combined with characteristic red spots and lines.

Flowering occurs two to three years after planting in the ground. During this period, small white flowers are formed, collected in inflorescences. The process ends with fruit ripening. The plant bears fruit with red-brown nuts.

Rhubarb thrives in full sun or semi-shade, preferably a permeable, humus-rich soil.

Vegetable roots are used for medicinal purposes. In autumn, they are collected, cleaned, washed, cut and dried.

Useful properties

Rhubarb is rich in malic acid, various vitamins, including PP and C, sugar, pectin. There is also oxalic acid, the use of which should be limited to children.

Plant roots include two groups of biologically active substances:

1. Tannoglycosides. They are tannins that have a disinfecting and anti-inflammatory effect.
2. Atroglycosides. Favorably affect the work of the intestines.

The use of the product can have a choleretic and laxative effect, it all depends on the dose, but more often rhubarb has an astringent effect. In addition, plant therapy is characterized by vasoconstriction and keratolytic properties.

Indications for use

The benefits of rhubarb are undeniable. Experts often recommend taking it for preventive or therapeutic purposes. An ophthalmologist may recommend the product to patients who complain about eye he alth. Its regular use in food is the prevention of glaucoma and cataracts, and also helps to relieve tension, strengthen muscles and produce natural tears.

Gastroenterologist insists on taking it for gastritis caused by low acidity. Daily use increases the secretion of gastric juice and successfully fights unpleasant symptoms.

Vegetable can improve blood composition. The product is effective as a prevention of thrombosis. In addition, it will be useful for people suffering from atherosclerosis and thrombophlebitis. Suitable also for patients whose problems are associated with varicose veins. Cosmetologists note the positive effect of the plant in the fight against age-related skin changes. Topically, it boosts collagen production to help fight signs of aging.

Ways to use rhubarb

Rhubarb is widely used in cooking. Since ancient times, cuttings of the plant have been used as food, steamed and consumed with honey, prepared borscht, sauces, baked delicious pies.Today, the choice of recipes has become even more extensive. The product is included in the first, second courses, salads, confectionery, drinks and preserves.

Although rhubarb is a vegetable, it is cooked more like a fruit. The stem has a delicate taste with a characteristic sourness. Recipes usually contain granulated sugar. When cooking, it is important to avoid excessive sweetness, otherwise the true taste of the product will be lost. Most often it is prepared by stewing in various syrups. A juicy stalk releases a lot of juice during cooking, so water is usually used in small quantities.

Rhubarb should be harvested in early spring, from April to May. Daily intake of food helps to saturate the body with useful substances and vitamins. The stem is carefully peeled before use.

The vegetable can be eaten sprinkled with sugar or sprinkled with honey, and cold drinks based on the plant can help quench thirst.

Only the stalk can be eaten, it is believed that the foliage and root system contain some amount of poison.

Contraindications

In its composition, rhubarb contains many organic acids that provoke the formation of stones in the kidneys, urinary and gallbladder. For this reason, the presence of urolithiasis or cholelithiasis is a direct contraindication to plant therapy. The reason for refusing to take should also be pancreatitis or gastritis with high acidity. The stems thin the blood, which is why their use is not recommended for bleeding and hemorrhoids.

Recipes of traditional medicine

In the field of traditional medicine, the product is in great demand. Owners of summer cottages often plant medicinal varieties of the plant, and then prepare a variety of infusions, powders and other dosage forms.Rhubarb is used for both therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.

Means based on it are used for diseases of the liver, respiratory organs, heart. A vegetable is often used because of its general strengthening effect on the body. The use of the product contributes to longevity and the removal of toxins. It is allowed to include it in the menu of expectant mothers, as the plant contains a huge amount of useful trace elements. We will get acquainted with some folk recipes below.

Kissel

In order to make a drink from a medicinal plant, you need 10-12 stems. Petioles should be cut into small sticks, then boiled until soft, combining them with fresh mint leaves and orange peel. In the end, using a colander, you need to strain and wipe the product. Then put it back on the stove and cook with the addition of starch and sugar.

Infusion

Rhubarb infusion has a slight laxative effect. To prepare it, you will need two tablespoons of chopped rhizomes, which are poured with boiled water. The volume of liquid should be about 250 grams. After the infusion is left for a while for brewing. The remedy should be taken at night for 1/3 cup.

Rhubarb Root Powder

As an antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial treatment, dried root powder is often used. Should be taken twice a day for 0.05-0.3 grams.

Remedy for anemia and hypertension

To alleviate the painful condition, you need to take two tablespoons of crushed dry cuttings. After that, the raw material is brewed with boiling water. Water will need about 200 grams. Next, the medicine is boiled for an hour.Harvested stems should be kept refrigerated, a refrigerator will keep them fresh for up to two weeks.

To avoid moisture loss, the petioles must be removed from existing leaves and folded into a regular plastic bag or a container made of plastic. For long-term storage, the product is sent to the freezer or preserved.

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