What is Rheum Emodi? Benefits, Uses & Side Effects of Revand Chini - An Informative User Guide

Table of Content

1. Introduction

Rheum Emodi, also known as Indian Rhubarb or Revand Chini, is a herbaceous plant that grows in the Himalayas. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various health issues, thanks to its high concentration of antioxidants, tannins, and anthraquinones. In this article, we will explore the many benefits of Rheum Emodi, also known as Revand Chini, including its use in treating digestive problems, liver disorders, and improving skin health. We will also discuss the various ways to use Rheum Emodi, such as making tea or using it in cosmetic applications. Lastly, we will explore the potential side effects of Indian Rhubarb and how to use it safely. If you're interested in natural remedies and exploring the many benefits of traditional medicine, read on to learn more about the power of Rheum Emodi.

2. What is Rheum Emodi?

Revand Chini botanical name is Rheum Emodi, some other common names are Indian rhubarb, rawash, rheumemodi, and nettureval chini, it is a native of South-Eastern Russia. Rhubarb was introduced in Europe in comparatively recent times. It reached Britain only in the 16^th century. It is now cultivated to a limited extent in Indian and Central Africa. The word rhubarb originates from Latin.

Rheum Emodi is a tall perennial herb with very stout stems and roots that are large with radical leaves. The dried rhizomes, that is the underground stems producing roots and leaf shoots constitute the drug. The rhizomes should be collected from six- or seven-year-old plants just before the flowering season and the roots barks should be retained.

The Indian Rhubarb stalks show it to consist of a substantial amount of moisture, protein, fat, mineral, fiber, and carbohydrates. The mineral and vitamin contents are calcium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamin C. Its calorific value is 26.

The Indian Rhubarb chemical compositions are glucoside rhaponticin and chrysophanic acid. The chief constituents of the herb are anthraquinone derivatives. The roots contain Rhein and emodin, it also has an essential oil containing eugenol, terpene alcohol, and a product believed to be methyl hepty ketone. It is one of the oldest recorded herbal drugs, being mentioned in a Chinese herbal remedy dated around 2700 B.

Rheum Emodi leaves are radical, orbicular, or broadly ovate, very large, and 30–45 cm in diameter with long petioles. Flowers are small, dark purple or pale red in axillary panicles, roots are very stout and thick.

Revand Chini / Rheum Emodi plant is used in the treatment of gastrointestinal infections, respiratory infections, and liver and skin infections. Rheum Emodi stalks can be cooked or eaten raw, some people dip raw stalks in sugar to remove some of the tartness.

3. Ayurvedic properties of Indian Rhubarb (Revand Chini)

Indian Rhubarb, also known as Revand Chini or Rheum emodi, is a valuable herb in Ayurveda with various medicinal properties. It is primarily known for its purgative and laxative effects.

Ayurvedic properties of Indian Rhubarb:

1. Rasa (Taste): Indian Rhubarb is considered to have a bitter taste (Tikta Rasa).

2. Virya (Potency): It is heating in nature (Ushna Virya).

3. Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): The post-digestive taste is pungent (Katu Vipaka).

4. Dosha Effects: Indian Rhubarb mainly balances Kapha and Pitta doshas. Due to its heating nature, it may aggravate Vata dosha in excess or for some individuals.

Ayurvedic Uses:

1. Digestive Support: Indian Rhubarb is widely used in Ayurveda as a natural laxative and purgative. It helps promote bowel movements and supports digestive health.

2. Liver Function: This herb is believed to have a beneficial effect on the liver and may support its proper functioning.

3. Detoxification: Indian Rhubarb aids in detoxification by flushing out accumulated toxins and waste materials from the digestive system.

4. Bile Flow: It can stimulate the secretion of bile, which aids in the digestion of fats.

5. Skin Conditions: In some Ayurvedic formulations, Indian Rhubarb is used to address certain skin conditions, although its primary action is on the digestive system.

4. What are the Health Benefits of Revand Chini / Rheum Emodi?

The Rheum Emodi is pungent and bitter in taste, it increases secretion and discharge of urine and has hot potency. It has laxative, antipyretic, astringent, purgative, hemostatic, cathartic, anthelmintic, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-diabetic, and antiulcer properties.

Let’s check the health benefits of Rheum Emodi 

For Constipation

In allopathic medicine, Rheum Emodi is used largely as a purgative, since it also contains tannins therefore after purgation it creates an astringent effect that causes constipation. It is thus suitable only in mild cases of constipation and not in chronic ones. It is milder than Senna leaves.

For Diarrhea

Due to astringent action, Rheum Emodi is beneficial in the case of Diarrhea caused by the presence of any irritating substance in the intestine.

Children Ailments

It is a valuable everyday remedy for ailments of children, it is a safe purgative and reduces excessive acidity in the digestive tract of children.

For Diabetes

It has anti-diabetic properties that help to maintain blood sugar and treat the blood sugar by maintaining the glucose level in the body.

For Fungal Infections

Rheum emodi rhizomes exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Trichophytonmentagrophytes, and Aspergillusfumigatus responsible for skin diseases in India.

For Immunity

Rheum emodi antioxidant properties help the body fight against flu and virus, it increases the immunity of the body.

Liver Health

Rheum Emodi has been used to treat liver disorders such as jaundice and hepatitis. Its high concentration of antioxidants helps protect the liver from damage.

Anti-inflammatory properties

The anthraquinones found in Rheum Emodi have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Skin Health

Rheum Emodi has been used in cosmetic applications to help improve skin health. It can help reduce inflammation and redness, and may also have anti-aging effects.

Antimicrobial properties

Rheum Emodi has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, meaning it can help fight off harmful bacteria and other pathogens.

5. How to use Rheum Emodi?

Dosage and uses depend upon the health problems and conditions or as recommended by an Ayurvedic doctor. The general recommended dosage is 3-6 grams of Rheum emodi daily once a day.

Here are some home remedies for Rheum emodi / Indian Rhubarb

• Decoction of roots is beneficial in jaundice.
• Take 5 grams of Rheum Emodi root powder with aloe vera, Chebulic myrobalan, and aniseeds in lukewarm water. Helps to treat indigestion.
• Take Rheum Emodi root powder with dried roses pomegranate or gum of acacia is beneficial in diarrhea.
• Take Rheum Emodi root powder and mix it with rose water, make a smooth paste, and apply it on Freckles and other skin marks.
• Take Rheum Emodi root powder and mix it with fresh milk, which helps in Melasma.
• Apply Rheum Emodi root powder to the affected area of swelling and pain.
• Take 5 grams of Rheum emodi / Indian Rhubarb powder with water daily, which helps to treat constipation.
• Take Rheum Emodi root powder with honey, which helps to treat rhinitis and cough.

Apart from medicinal benefits, it is used in the preparation of jelly, sauces, beverages, and other desserts as a flavoring agent. The leaf stalks are sued in salads and vegetable cooking. Roots of Rheum Emodi are also used for dyeing red color on woolen and silk cloths.

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6. Side Effects of Solanum Rheum emodi / Indian Rhubarb

All Ayurveda herbs are plant-based, and they don’t have any side effects but they may react with some allopathy or homeopathy medicine. It is better to consult the doctor if you are on any medications or have special health issues.

Some side effects are mentioned below

• Consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding.
• Do not take without a doctor’s prescription if you are pregnant.
• If you are on diabetes or hypertension medication. Consult first the doctor before consuming.
• If you are suffering from kidney disease, consult the doctor first before consuming Rheum emodi / Indian Rhubarb
• Do not take Rheum emodi / Indian Rhubarb with liquor, it may interact with it and cause drowsiness.
• Do not take Rheum emodi / Indian Rhubarb if you are suffering from diarrhea, bleeding per rectum, rectal prolapse, or fecal incontinence.
• It is not suggested for children below 12 years of age, the elderly, or physically or mentally weaker persons.
• Do not take Rheum emodi / Indian Rhubarb without a doctor’s prescription if you are suffering from chronic diarrhea.
• Do not take Rheum emodi / Indian Rhubarb without a doctor’s prescription if you had Kidney stones.
• Do not take Rheum emodi / Indian Rhubarb without a doctor’s prescription if you have Renal problems and gouty arthritis because it contains oxalic acid.
• Avoid consuming Rheum emodi if you have Liver related problems, as it may become worse.
• Do not take Rheum emodi / Indian Rhubarb without a doctor’s prescription if you are facing irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, and appendicitis due to its purgative property.

7. Frequently Asked Question

Q - What is Indian rhubarb?