Rheum

Chinese Rhubarb

Rheum officinale or R. palmatum

Rheum is most suitable for those with sour moods who tend to be undemanding and withdrawn, yet restless and "quarrelsome in sleep." Children who respond to Rheum are full of fears, crying and restless at night. Both adults and children may tire rapidly.

Chronic, sour-smelling diarrhea is a key condition linked with Rheum. The stools are sour-smelling, and may be yellow or green, frothy, or fermented. Further typical symptoms include sour-smelling breath and a sour taste to all foods, causing a loss of appetite. The remedy may also be used for nausea or colicky pain that feels worse for standing and is often accompanied by shivering and an urge to pass stools.

Long used in Chinese medicine, notably as a laxative, these non-culinary types of rhubarb were adopted by European doctors in the 18th century.

The root of either species is dried and macerated in alcohol.