Da Huang, also known as Rhei Radix et Rhizoma or Rhubarb Root and Rhizome, is a bitter and cold herb with strong purgative properties in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is best known for its ability to drain heat, purge accumulations, cool the blood, and remove toxins. Da Huang is frequently used for constipation, abdominal fullness, blood-heat disorders, and toxic accumulations in both the gastrointestinal and circulatory systems. Its potency makes it one of the most powerful herbs for clearing internal excess.
Functions & Benefits
Drains Heat & Purges Accumulation
Da Huang is a strong downward-draining herb used to relieve constipation due to heat and stagnation. It clears accumulations in the intestines, especially when accompanied by abdominal distension, pain, and dry stools.
Clears Heat & Resolves Fire Toxicity
This herb is used in cases of intense internal heat with high fever, delirium, and inflammation. It is especially useful for treating heat toxins causing abscesses, boils, or systemic infections with internal blockage.
Cools the Blood & Removes Blood Stasis
Da Huang invigorates the blood and clears heat from the blood level. It is often used in trauma, amenorrhea, or masses caused by blood stasis, particularly when heat signs such as bleeding, clots, or swelling are present.
Clears Damp-Heat Through the Stool
Useful in jaundice, dysentery, and urinary disorders due to damp-heat in the Liver, Gallbladder, or intestines. Da Huang helps expel heat and turbidity from the lower burner by promoting bowel movement.
Indications
Constipation with abdominal pain, fullness, and dry, hard stools due to heat accumulation.
High fever, delirium, or abscesses associated with internal heat or fire toxins.
Amenorrhea, blood clots, or trauma-related swelling from blood stasis and heat.
Jaundice, dysentery, or urinary difficulty caused by damp-heat in the intestines or Liver.
Internal bleeding or purpura caused by heat in the blood level.
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Red or crimson with a yellow, dry, or greasy coating, indicating heat and stagnation.
Pulse: Full, rapid, or choppy, often deep and forceful if excess heat and stasis are involved.
Common TCM Patterns Treated by Da Huang
Da Huang treats Yang Ming organ syndrome (constipation with heat), blood stasis with heat, internal abscesses or toxic swellings, and damp-heat in the lower burner. These patterns present with intense abdominal symptoms, fever, bleeding, or inflammation.
Precautions & Contraindications
Contraindicated during pregnancy due to its strong purgative and blood-moving effects.
Not suitable for patients with weak digestion, Spleen Qi Deficiency, or chronic diarrhea.
Avoid long-term or excessive use, which can deplete Qi and fluids.
Should be decocted briefly if a purgative effect is desired; long cooking reduces this action.
Conclusion
Da Huang is a powerful purgative and heat-clearing herb in TCM, used to treat excess-type constipation, heat in the blood, toxic accumulations, and damp-heat syndromes. Its strength requires careful use, but it is invaluable in acute conditions involving obstruction, fever, or bleeding caused by internal heat and stasis.
