What is Chinese Rhubarb Root?

Chinese Rhubarb Root is the cut and sifted dried root of Rheum palmatum, called Da Huang ("Great Yellow") in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a tall perennial in the knotweed family (Polygonaceae), and it is a different species from the garden rhubarb whose stalks are eaten in pies.

About the plant

Chinese Rhubarb is native to the mountains of western China, where its root has a documented history in Traditional Chinese Medicine spanning more than two thousand years. The root contains anthraquinone compounds and has an intensely bitter, astringent character. It should not be confused with culinary rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum): the two are distinct species, and only the medicinal root is offered here.

Chinese Rhubarb Root: form & sizes

We carry Chinese Rhubarb Root as cut and sifted dried root, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Chinese Rhubarb Root in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Chinese Rhubarb Root at a glance

Botanical name

Rheum palmatum

Family

Polygonaceae

Native region

mountainous western China

Plant part

root

Chinese name

Da Huang ("Great Yellow")

Distinct from

Culinary rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum)

Form

cut and sifted dried root

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb