Rhubarb

How does Rhubarb work?

Rhubarb contains several chemicals which might help heal cold sores.

Are there safety concerns?

Rhubarb is safe when consumed as food. It also seems to be safe for most people when taken by mouth for eight days or less, for medicinal use.

Rhubarb can cause some side effects such as stomach and intestinal pain, watery diarrhea, and uterine contractions. Long-term use can result in muscular weakness, bone loss, potassium loss, and irregular heart rhythm.

There is a report of kidney failure in someone who took a rhubarb-containing product. But there is not enough information to know for sure if rhubarb was the actual cause of kidney failure.

Rhubarb might not be safe for children.

Do not use rhubarb if:

• You are pregnant or breast-feeding, in amounts greater than those found in food.
• You have kidney stones.
• You have kidney disease.
• You have stomach pain.
• You have an intestinal blockage.
• You have appendicitis.
• You have Crohn's disease.
• You have colitis.
• You have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).