Rheum officinale - Rhubarb, Chinese or Turkey Rhubarb
"CONSTITUENTS: Chrysophan, phaeoretin, erythrorrhetin, aporetin, chrysophanic acid, rheotannic acid, emodin, gallic acid, rheumic acid, calcium oxalate, sugar, starch, salts.
PREPARATIONS: Extractum Rhei, Extract of Rhubarb. Dose: from ten to fifteen grains. Extractum Rhei Fluidum, Fluid Extract of Rhubarb. Dose: from a half to two drams. Syrupus Rhei et Potassae Compositus, Compound Syrup of Rhubarb and Potassa, Neutralizing Cordial. Dose: from one to four drams. Specific Medicine Rheum. Dose: from one to twenty minims.
Therapy: In atonic conditions of the bowels, with debility or general relaxation, whether diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera morbus or cholera infantum is present, it is a most useful remedy. Its tonic powers are promptly exercised, and properly combined with indicated remedies, it produces markedly restorative effects. It acts directly upon the duodenum, and subsequently upon the entire intestinal tract. It is the laxative for debilitated patients, or for patients recovering from prostrating disease.
Given to a nursing mother, like aloes, it relaxes the infant's bowels, and in some cases it is desirable to administer it to the mother for this purpose."
(Finley Ellingwood: The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy, 1915)