Origin of Rhubarb
Ever wondered about the origin of rhubarb? I have discovered that this wonderful
plant originated in Asia thousands of years ago. There are in fact sixty various
species still in existance today.
Turkey rhubarb or also known as Chinese and East Indian rhubarb was primarily used
for medicinal purposes. It still is used for that reason by many people today.
From the roots come powders and extracts which are apparently quite effective as
laxatives. Large doses act as an astringent by cleansing the colon and clearing
intestines of bacterias and other irritants.
English rhubarb also known as Garden and Bastard rhubarb have the same medicinal
properties also, however in a much milder form.
Monks rhubarb grows in Scotland and Northern England and it too is used in a
medicinal capacity. This type of rhubarb is however hard to find.
Who knew that originally rhubarb was intended as a remedy for constipation?
Commonly referred to as the pieplant, rhubarb is in fact a vegetable. This is
because of the particular kind of root family it belongs to. This was news to me!
It tends to be classified as a fruit and not a vegetable by most people simply
because of the unique taste and because it is commonly used in many delicious
desserts.
Hothouse rhubarb is grown in the Northern states of the U.S.A.
Ontario Canada and
the same northern U.S. states boast as being the proud producers of the high
quality field grown rhubarb that some of us are fortunate enough to have in our own
backyards. I live in Ontario Canada and rhubarb has always been quite plentiful
here.
Researching the origin of rhubarb plants has been quite an eye-opener. It is amazing that afterall it is known for more than just being the pieplant.
Care to try your hand at producing your own rhubarb?
Can Rhubarb also Relieve the Symptoms of Menopause?
More on Medicinal uses of Rhubarb
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Photo courtesy of Suzanne Long at Flickr.com

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