Rhubarb is used primarily for digestive complaints including constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, stomach pain, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, and preparation for certain GI diagnostic procedures. Some people use rhubarb to decrease the strain during bowel movements. Rhubarb is also used for gonorrhea, high levels of cholesterol in the blood, high blood pressure associated with pregnancy, and weight loss.
Rhubarb is also used to improve symptoms associated with menopause or menstruation. It is also used to reduce pain associated with pancreas swelling (inflammation) or to slow down kidney disease. Rhubarb is used to reduce symptoms of stroke, sepsis (blood infection), or pesticide poisoning. It is also used for some types of cancer and for patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
