Rhubarb belongs to the buckwheat family. The place of growth is Central China. The plant is very popular in its homeland, because rhubarb has an extensive list of beneficial properties. Culture has been cultivated for a very long time. The first mentions were found in herbal books created 27 centuries BC.
Description of rhubarb
The plant is distinguished by powerful perennial roots, while its upper part (the one that rises above the ground) is annual.The height of the stem usually reaches 1 meter, but there are cases when the length reached 2.5 meters. The stem is hollow inside and contains both basal and stem leaves. The external color is green, combined with characteristic red spots and lines.
Flowering occurs two to three years after planting in the ground. During this period, small white flowers are formed, collected in inflorescences. The process ends with the ripening of the fruit. The plant bears fruit with red-brown nuts.
Rhubarb grows in sun or partial shade, preferably permeable soil with a high humus content.
The roots of the vegetable are used for medicinal purposes. In the autumn they are collected, cleaned, washed, cut and dried.
Beneficial features
Rhubarb is rich in malic acid, various vitamins, including PP and C, sugar, and pectin substances. There is also oxalic acid, the use of which should be limited to children.
The roots of the plant include two groups of biologically active substances:
- Tannoglycosides. They are tannins that have a disinfecting and anti-inflammatory effect.
- Atroglycosides. Have a beneficial effect on intestinal function.
The use of the product can have a choleretic and laxative effect, it all depends on the dose, but more often rhubarb has an astringent effect. In addition, plant therapy is characterized by vasoconstrictor and keratolytic properties.
Indications for use
The benefits of rhubarb are undeniable. Experts often recommend taking it for preventive or therapeutic purposes. An ophthalmologist can recommend the product to patients complaining about eye health.Its regular use in food prevents glaucoma and cataracts, and also helps relieve tension, strengthen muscles and produce natural tears.
The gastroenterologist insists on taking it for gastritis caused by low acidity. Daily use increases the secretion of gastric juice and successfully combats unpleasant symptoms.
The vegetable can improve blood composition. The product is effective in preventing blood clots. In addition, it will be useful for people suffering from atherosclerosis and thrombophlebitis. It is also suitable for patients whose problems are associated with varicose veins. Cosmetologists note the positive effect of the plant in the fight against age-related skin changes. Its external use enhances collagen production, which helps cope with signs of aging.
Ways to use rhubarb
Rhubarb is widely used in cooking. Since ancient times, plant cuttings have been used for food, steamed and consumed with honey, borscht and sauces were prepared, and delicious pies were baked. Today the choice of recipes has become even wider. The product is included in first and second courses, salads, confectionery, drinks and preserves.
Although rhubarb is a vegetable, it is prepared more like a fruit. The stem has a delicate taste with a characteristic sourness. Recipes usually contain granulated sugar. When cooking, it is important to avoid excessive sweetness, otherwise the true taste of the product will be lost. It is most often prepared by stewing in various syrups. The juicy stalk releases a lot of juice during the cooking process, so water is usually used in small quantities.
Rhubarb should be harvested in early spring, from April to May. Eating daily helps saturate the body with nutrients and vitamins.Before use, the stem is carefully peeled.
The vegetable can be eaten sprinkled with sugar or honey, and cold drinks based on the plant help cope with thirst.
Only the cuttings can be eaten; it is generally accepted that the foliage and root system contain a certain amount of poison.
Contraindications
Rhubarb contains many organic acids, which provoke the formation of stones in the kidneys, urinary and gall bladder. For this reason, the presence of urolithiasis or cholelithiasis is a direct contraindication to plant therapy. The reason for refusing to take it should also be pancreatitis or gastritis with high acidity. The stems thin the blood, which is why their use is not recommended for bleeding and hemorrhoids.
Traditional medicine recipes
In the field of traditional medicine, the product is in great demand. Owners of summer cottages often plant medicinal varieties of plants, and then prepare a variety of infusions, powders and other medicinal forms. Rhubarb is used for both therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.
Products based on it are used for diseases of the liver, respiratory system, and heart. The vegetable is often used because of its restorative effect on the body. Consumption of the product promotes longevity and the removal of toxins. It is allowed to be included in the menu of expectant mothers, since the plant contains a colossal amount of useful microelements. We will get acquainted with some folk recipes below.
Kissel
In order to prepare a drink from a medicinal plant, you will need 10-12 stems.The petioles need to be cut into small cubes, then boiled until soft, combining them with fresh mint leaves and orange peel. Finally, using a colander, you need to strain and wipe the product. Then put it on the stove again and cook with the addition of starch and sugar.
Infusion
Rhubarb infusion has a mild laxative effect. To prepare it, you will need two tablespoons of crushed rhizomes, which are poured with boiling water. The volume of liquid should be about 250 grams. Afterwards, the infusion is left to brew for some time. Take 1/3 cup at night.
Rhubarb Root Powder
Dried root powder is often used as therapy aimed at combating diarrhea, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial treatment. Should be taken twice a day, 0.05-0.3 grams.
Remedy for anemia and hypertension
To alleviate the painful condition, you need to take two tablespoons of crushed dry cuttings. After which the raw material is brewed with boiling water. You will need about 200 grams of water. Next, the medicine is boiled for an hour. The collected stems must be kept cool; the refrigerator will help keep them fresh for up to two weeks.
To avoid loss of moisture, the petioles need to be removed from existing leaves and placed in a regular polyethylene bag or a container made of plastic. For long-term storage, the product is sent to the freezer or canned.
