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Rhubarb or Rhei radix (Rheum palmatum L. and Rheum officinale Baillon) Parts used: dried underground parts Constituents: hydroxyanthracene derivatives, dianthrone glycosides (sennosides), anthrone glycosides Pharmacopoeia Standard: root should contain no less than 2.2 per cent of hydroxyanthracene derivatives (rhein) Actions: laxative, astringent, stomachic Indications: for short-term use in occasional constipation and conditions in which a soft stool is desirable, e.g. haemorrhoids or anal fissure. Applications: Generally used in the treatment of constipation, its astringent action also makes it of value in diarrhoea, but at very low doses. Its bitter taste stimulates the digestion. Safety: Long-term use of any laxative can have serious physiological effects. Excessive intake may result in potassium loss from the body. Not recommended in pregnancy and breastfeeding and contraindicated in cases of intestinal obstruction, atony, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disorders, abdominal pain of unknown origin and dehydration. Not recommended for children. Dosage: Generally an ingredient of a compound remedy. As with all laxatives, the correct individual dose is the smallest required to produce a comfortable, soft-formed stool.
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Contact: woldfarm@aol.com (Please complete the 'Subject' heading or your email will be marked as spam and automatically deleted) Christine Haughton, MA MNIMH MCPP FRSPH Wold Farm, West Heslerton, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 8RY Last updated 10th March 2010 ©Purple Sage Botanicals
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