The dried rhizome of Rheum officinale is occasionally administered either in the form of powder or in the form of "cubes" or "fingers."

Action and Uses: Rhubarb and the extract are cathartics, bitter tonics and stomachics, while the aromatic tincture and the aromatic syrup are laxative and to a slight extent astringent. As cathartics they act chiefly on the colon and have a tendency to produce constipation after the initial laxative effect. Hence they are an appropriate remedy in the beginning of diarrhea as they cause the expulsion of irritating substances and promote a return to normal by their constipating influence.

Dosage: 1 gm. or 15 grains.

Extractum Rhei.—Extract Of Rhubarb, U. S. P.

A hydro-alcoholic extract of rhubarb evaporated to a pilular consistency.

Dosage: 0.25 gm. or 4 grains.

Tinctura Rhei Aromatica.—Aromatic Tincture Of Rhubarb, U. S. P.

Aromatic tincture of rhubarb represents rhubarb (20 gm.), cinnamon (4 gm.), cloves (4 gm.) and myristica (2 gm.), in a mixture of glycerol, alcohol and water to make 100 c.c.

Dosage: 2 c.c. or 30 minims.

Syrupus Rhei Aromaticus.—Aromatic Syrup Of Rhubarb, U. S. P.

For all practical purposes this represents aromatic tincture of rhubarb (15 c.c.) with sufficient syrup to make 100 c.c.

Dosage: 8 c.c. or 2 fluidrams.