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Cathartic (aperient-brisk purgative, according to dosage), hepatic, cholagogue, astringent, tonic, stomachic, antibilious, sialogogue, vulnerary, anthelmintic, peristaltic.
Turkey rhubarb, given in small doses, is a valuable stomachic tonic, increasing saliva and the flow of gastric juice, improving the appetite, promoting the action of the liver and flow of bile without catharsis (astringing the intestines), facilitating systemal vascularity and absorption. As a cathartic agent, it increases the circulation of the glands appended to the intestinal canal and increases peristalsis by stimulating the muscular layer of the bowel; in larger doses (30-50 grains), it produces copious yellow, pultaceous (mushy, soft) stools in 6-8 hours, with considerable hepatic stimulation and some griping (and, although the larger doses may occasionally produce quite severe griping, the herb will never inflame the gastro-enteric mucous membrane). Turkey rhubarb is highly esteemed (because of the milk like quality of its action) as a laxative tonic for children and infants; it acts chiefly on the duodenum, generally does not clog or produce an after-constipation as so many of the active cathartics do. The tonic and astringent action following catharsis makes Turkey rhubarb a valuable healing remedy for diarrhea due to irritating matter in the bowel--it removes the irritating substance, the after-astringent properties check the diarrhea, and it tones the tissue and corrects the accompanying atonic indigestion. It is also a particularly suitable mild laxative agent for hemorrhoids with constipation, wherein the astringent after-action is overcome by taking 2-4 drams nightly of olive oil. A cathartic action may be produced by the herb being applied locally to ulcers, moist or abraded skin, or in poultices to the abdomen. The urine of a patient taking Turkey rhubarb will often become quite red, which is the alkaline urine acting upon the yellow matter of the root. Here in this great healing herb, you have a most valuable and reliable organic friend for stimulating, cleansing, and toning the vital alimentary and intestinal areas.
A perennial, conical rootstock which is fleshy and yellow inside. It produces large, palmate, somewhat rough, 7-lobed leaves on thick petioles, 12-18 inches long. The hollow flower stem, around 10 feet high, also grows from the rootstock. It is topped by a leafy panicle of greenish or whitish flowers. A native of China, cultivated for ornamental purposes.
It is a appetizer, astringent, purgative, and tonic. The powdered root is used for both a laxative and astringent depending on amount used (Soak the rootstock in cold water for 8-10 hours). For a laxative, take 1 tablespooh, 2~3 times a day. For an appetizer, take 1 teaspoon 2-3 times a day, before meals. Prolonged use is not advisable, especially during pregnancy and those nursing babies. A tincture is used to stimulate appetite and digestion. The leaf blades, not the stalks, contain enough oxalic acid to cause poisoning.
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