What Are the Benefits of Turkey Rhubarb?

Turkey rhubarb (Rheum officinale) is a type of plant that is related to garden rhubarb that is commonly featured in recipes for desserts and other dishes. The stems and roots of the turkey rhubarb plant are sometimes used in herbal medicine.

Function

• A chemical called emodin in turkey rhubarb seem to fight bacteria, according to the Physicians Desktop Reference.

Types of Uses

• Turkey rhubarb is used to treat a variety of conditions, including cold sores, indigestion, stomach inflammation, hemorrhoids, constipation, diarrhea, and digestive bleeding, according to RxList.

Features

• For the treatment of cold sores, turkey rhubarb is most effective when applied topically with sage, according to RxList. For digestive problems, turkey rhubarb is often made into a tea.

Time Frame

• Turkey rhubarb is safe for use for up to eight consecutive days, reports RxList.

Risks

• Possible side effects of turkey rhubarb include watery diarrhea and uterine contractions. Muscular wasting, bone loss, arrhythmia, decreased blood potassium levels and kidney damage are risks associated with long term use of turkey rhubarb.