Prepared Rhubarb Root

Zhi Da Huang (Prepared Rhubarb Root) is a bitter, cold herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known for its strong purgative, heat-clearing, and blood-invigorating properties. The term “Zhi” refers to prepared or processed Da Huang, which reduces its harsh purgative action while retaining its ability to clear heat, drain excess, and move blood. It is widely used for constipation due to heat accumulation, damp-heat disorders, blood stasis conditions, and certain infectious or inflammatory problems. Zhi Da Huang also helps relieve abdominal pain, reduce swelling, and support detoxification, making it an important herb for both digestive and circulatory health. Functions & Benefits Purges Heat and Clears the BowelsTreats constipation caused by heat accumulation in the intestines, relieving bloating, abdominal fullness, and hard stools. The preparation process makes it gentler for sensitive patients compared to raw Da Huang. Clears Damp-HeatAddresses damp-heat conditions affecting the liver, gallbladder, and intestines, which can manifest as jaundice, foul-smelling stools, urinary difficulty, or dysentery. Invigorates the Blood and Dispels StasisPromotes blood circulation, disperses clots, and alleviates pain caused by blood stasis, such as postpartum abdominal pain or traumatic injury. Reduces Swelling and DetoxifiesHelps resolve inflammatory swellings, skin eruptions, and sores caused by heat toxins. Indications (Who Can Benefit from It?)✔ Individuals with constipation due to heat accumulation or dryness.✔ People with damp-heat digestive or urinary issues.✔ Those with abdominal pain, masses, or traumatic injury linked to blood stasis.✔ Patients with inflammatory swellings or heat-related skin problems. Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCMTongue: Red with yellow or dry coating, indicating heat and dryness in the intestines or damp-heat.Pulse: Rapid and forceful or choppy, reflecting heat or blood stasis. Related TCM PatternsHeat Accumulation in the Intestines – Leads to constipation, abdominal distension, and pain.Damp-Heat in the Liver/Gallbladder – Causes jaundice, bitter taste, and digestive discomfort.Blood Stasis – Results in pain, swelling, and possible clot formation. Clinical Applications (For Reference Only)Heat-Induced Constipation – Clears heat and promotes bowel movements.Postpartum Abdominal Pain – Moves blood and disperses stasis to relieve discomfort.Damp-Heat Dysentery – Clears damp-heat and reduces inflammation.Traumatic Injury – Promotes circulation and reduces swelling. Common Herbal Formulas with Zhi Da HuangCombined with Mang Xiao, Hou Po, and Zhi Shi for severe heat-induced constipation.Paired with Tao Ren and Hong Hua for blood stasis pain and postpartum recovery. Precautions & ContraindicationsAvoid during pregnancy, menstruation, or in patients with significant blood loss.Not suitable for weak or cold-type constipation without heat.Use with caution in breastfeeding, as it may pass into breast milk. Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations✔ Eat fiber-rich, moistening foods such as pears, honey, and leafy greens to support bowel health.✔ Avoid spicy, greasy, and overly heating foods that can worsen heat accumulation.✔ Maintain hydration to assist intestinal movement.✔ Engage in gentle abdominal massage or walking to promote regularity. ConclusionZhi Da Huang (Prepared Rhubarb Root) is a powerful heat-clearing and blood-invigorating herb in TCM, valued for treating heat-induced constipation, damp-heat disorders, blood stasis pain, and inflammatory conditions. Its prepared form offers a milder, more controlled action while retaining its therapeutic strength.