Rheum palmatum – Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, Recipes

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 7 min read

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Rheum palmatum is a species of flowering plant in the knotweed family Polygonaceae. It is commonly called Chinese rhubarb, ornamental rhubarb,[rx] Turkey rhubarb[rx] or East Indian rhubarb.[rx] Rheum palmatum is a herbaceous perennial related to the edible rhubarb. It is primarily used in traditional medicine, and as an ornamental subject in the garden. Turkish rhubarb Quick Facts Name: Turkish rhubarb Scientific...

For severe symptoms, danger signs, pregnancy, child illness, or sudden worsening, seek urgent medical care.

বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

এই তথ্য শিক্ষা ও সচেতনতার জন্য। এটি ডাক্তারি পরীক্ষা, রোগ নির্ণয় বা প্রেসক্রিপশনের বিকল্প নয়।

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Key Takeaways

This article explains Traditional uses in simple medical language.

Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.

Reviewed content workflowUse writer and reviewer profiles for stronger trust.

Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

See a doctor

Book a professional medical evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen, recur often, affect daily activities, or occur in a high-risk patient.

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Use this article to understand possible causes, tests, treatment options, prevention, and questions to ask your clinician.

Rheum palmatum is a species of flowering plant in the knotweed family Polygonaceae. It is commonly called Chinese rhubarb, ornamental rhubarb,^[rx] Turkey rhubarb^[rx] or East Indian rhubarb.^[rx]Rheum palmatum is a herbaceous perennial related to the edible rhubarb. It is primarily used in traditional medicine, and as an ornamental subject in the garden.

Turkish rhubarb Quick Facts
Name:	Turkish rhubarb
Scientific Name:	Rheum Palmatum
Origin	Western China, Northern Tibet, and The Mongolian Plateau
Taste	Bitter

Turkish rhubarb with the botanical name Rheum Palmatum belongs to the rhubarb family. The root helps to stimulate activity in various body systems. It is used for at least 2000 years in Chinese traditional and alternative medicine. Rhubarb root was mentioned in the Chinese medical text Divine Husbandman’s Classic of Materia Medica nearly two centuries before Christ. The herb is inherent to Western China, Northern Tibet, and the Mongolian Plateau which is also cultivated extensively in other parts of the world. Roots are harvested in September-October and only when the plants are at least 6 years old for effectiveness.

Name	Turkish rhubarb
Scientific Name	Rheum Palmatum
Native	Western China, Northern Tibet and The Mongolian Plateau
Common/English Name	Chinese rhubarb, Turkish rhubarb, Ornamental rhubarb, Turkey rhubarb, Indian rhubarb, Russian rhubarb, Rhubarb root
Name in Other Languages	Spanish: Ruibarbo de Levante; Chinese: zhang ye da huang (掌叶大黄); Czech: reveň dlanitá; Danish: ægte rabarber, kronerabarber, håndbladet rabarber, læge-rabarber, prydrabarber; Dutch: russische rhabarber. English: chinese rhubarb, red-flowered rhubarb; Finnish: koristeraparperi; French: rhubarbe médicinale, rhubarbe de chine, rhubarbe ornementale, rhubarbe palmée; German: handlappiger rhabarber, chinesischer rhabarber, medizinalrhabarber; Greek: raventi (ραβέντι), rion (ρήον); Hungarian: kínai rebarbara, díszrebarbara, tenyeres rebarbara; Japanese: daiou (ダイオウ), daiou (だいおう), daiou (大黄); Norwegian: kronrabarbra, prydrabarbra; Polish: rabarbar dłoniasty, rzewień dłoniasty. Portuguese: rabárbarbo, ruibarbo-da-rússia; Sanskrit: amlaparni; Swedish: flikrabarber, läkerabarber; Tamil: revalchini kattai, variatoo kalung; Urdu: rewand chini
Plant Growth Habit	Glabrous, perennial aromatic herb
Soil	Well-drained
Plant Size	120 to 200 cm high
Root	Thick, oval
Stem	Erect, round, hollow, 2 m high
Leaf	Rounded, two to three feet
Flowering Season	June to July
Flower	1 to 2 mm in diameter, yellow
Taste	Bitter
Fruit Season	July to August

Turkish rhubarb Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Rheum palmatum

Rank	Scientific Name & (Common Name)
Kingdom	Plantae (Plants)
Subkingdom	Viridiplantae (Green plants)
Infrakingdom	Streptophyta (Land plants)
Superdivision	Embryophyta
Division	Tracheophyta (Vascular plants, tracheophytes)
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Caryophyllales
Family	Polygonaceae (Knotweed, renouées, buckwheat)
Genus	Rheum L. (Rhubarb)
Species	Rheum palmatum L. (Chinese rhubarb)
Synonyms	Rhabarbarum palmatum (L.) Moench Rheum palmatum var. palmatum Rheum potaninii Los.-Losinsk. Rheum qinlingense Y.K.Yang, J.K.Wu & D.K.Zhang

The root is a remedy that promotes the activity of the stomach, bowels, and liver by promoting the flow of digestive juices including bile. It is used for treating various health problems such as gastrointestinal problems, cancer, high cholesterol, hypertension, burns, and peptic ulcers. As it acts as a purgative, it is found in herbal colon cleansing formulas. It is well known for its infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant activities.

It is rich in various vitamins and minerals containing Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and some of the B complex vitamins. Minerals are chlorine, calcium, iodine, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, manganese, sodium, silicon, potassium, zinc, and sulfur. The active principles are anthraquinones with purgative properties and bitters as well as tannins with opposite effects.

Health Benefits of Rhubarb Roots

Women’s health

The double-blinded and randomized study shows that rhubarb, when included to the diet by perimenopausal women for 12 weeks, showed a significant decrease in severity as well as the frequency of menopausal symptoms. It has blood-clotting properties that promote clotting as well as prevention of excess bleeding during menopause.

Cleanse colon

Turkey rhubarb has a purgative activity that helps to wipe out bad bacteria from the gut. It helps to cure diarrhea.

Weight Loss

Chinese rhubarb assists to promote weight loss. It has purgative properties that enhance effective elimination. Studies show that rhubarb root helps in the accumulation of fat in the intestine by aiding weight loss.

Skin conditions

Turkey rhubarb has a high content of astringent and antibacterial properties. It effectively treats various skin conditions such as sores and burns. It promotes bleeding and is used as a cure for various minor injuries.

Renal failure

Rhubarb root helps to alleviate and thwart the risk related to renal failure.

Intestinal bleeding

It helps to heal bleeding due to gastrointestinal conditions. It helps to eliminate excessive bleeding, controls bleeding, and cut down the need of using the blood-clotting drug.

Lowers cholesterol levels

It helps to lower the levels of low-density lipoprotein. The presence of excess bad cholesterol has a negative impact on health including the heart. Add roots to the daily diet to maintain heart health and lower the chances of arteriosclerosis.

Menstrual health

Turkey rhubarb has infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory properties which come due to tannins and anthraquinones. It also helps to control bleeding. Women can use it during painful menstruation for easing cramps and control excessive bleeding.

Lowers the chances of cancer

Turkey rhubarb has tannins and anthraquinones that offer infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which help to eliminate free radicals and reduce oxidative damages by lowering the chances of cancer. The presence of anthraquinones eliminates tumor cells by preventing metastasis. Emodin is an anthraquinone that induces suicidal tendencies in cancer cells and prevents the progression of the cell cycle. It prevents absorption of glucose by cancer cells and modifies membranes of these cells to slaught them.

Traditional uses

Leaves stem are consumed raw or cooked.
The plant is effective in treating cancer.
Consume the roots internally for treating diarrhea chronic constipation, gall bladder and liver complaints, menstrual problems, hemorrhoids and skin eruptions due to toxins accumulation.
Use the roots externally for treating burns.
Use it for treating diarrhea in teething children.
In Chinese medicine, roots are used for treating various medical conditions such as diarrhea, constipation, immunosuppression, peptic ulcers, cancer and high blood pressure.
In ancient China, roots are used to cure stomach ailments and also used as a poultice for edema and fevers.

Precautions

People with swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="arthritis" data-rx-definition="Arthritis means joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">arthritis, rheumatism, kidney stones, gout, and hyperacidity should take it with caution because it could worsen the condition.
Its laxative effect may result in electrolyte imbalances.
Usage of rhubarb root for longer time period results from problems with water and electrolyte balance such as potassium loss.
The rhubarb root causes the side effects such as nausea/vomiting, abdominal discomfort, kidney and liver damage and severe allergic reaction.

References

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

Write when the problem started and how it changed.
Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
Basic physical examination by a clinician
CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.

Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Medicine doctor / pediatrician for children / qualified clinician

Tests to discuss with doctor

Temperature chart and hydration assessment
CBC with platelet count if fever persists or dengue/other infection is possible
Urine test, malaria/dengue tests, chest evaluation, or blood culture only when clinically indicated

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
Which tests are really needed now?
Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
Do I need antibiotics, or is this more likely viral?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Go to emergency care if you notice:

Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration

Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.

Step 1
Check danger signs first
If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.
Step 2
Record the symptom story
Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.
Step 3
Visit a qualified clinician
A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.
Step 4
Do only useful tests
Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.
Step 5
Follow up and return early if worse
If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips

Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

Ask a health question safely

Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.