In Marco Polo's time, everyone knew about using Chinese rhubarb for constipation. Chinese rhubarb rhizome (not the same as the rhubarb the food) was the most sought after medicine of its time and a big reason for East-West trade for almost a thousand years.

Dr.Shen's Rhubarb Rx is an herbal blend that brings out the best qualities of Chinese rhubarb. Safer than senna or other laxatives, it's a tonic (strengthening) formula with laxative effect, not a simple purgative. These qualities make it better for long term use than common laxatives.

If constipation does last more than a week, it is prudent to consult a physician.

Using this or any laxative during pregnancy should be avoided.

SOURCE
Shen Shi Zun Sheng Shu (Master Shen's Book for Revering Life), by Shen Jin-Ao, 1773 AD, and Pi Wei Lun (Treatus on the Spleen and Stomach) by Li-Ao, 1249 AD

PRACTITIONER NOTES
This formula will work for a variety of etiologies, but it is most suited for constipation arising from deficiency of Yin or Blood. Also known as Fructus Persica and Peach Kernal Pills.

Dr. Shen's Rhubarb Rx draws on two versions of Run Chang Wan (Moisten Intestines Pill). It uses Mai Men Dong (Opthopogon) instead of Huo Ma Ren (marijuana seeds), making the formula more tonifying without loss of lubrication.

Cooked or processed rhubarb can have an astringent, binding effect. Dr. Shen's Rhubarb Rx uses quality unprocessed Chinese rhubarb rhizome. This maximizes the plant's anthraglycosides, potentiating its laxative properties.

Therefore, this product should not be used to treat diarrhea, and is always contraindicated for patients with loose stool, spleen deficiency or diarrhea.

Like any strong downward-draining medicine, Dr. Shen's Rhubarb Rx should not be used during pregnancy.

THE HERBS
Their Traditional Functions and Constituents

Rhubarb rhizome, Rhei Rhizoma Da Huang
Moves stool, drains heat, invigorates the blood, detoxifies fire poison
Major known constituents: anthraquinone glycosides, chrysophanol, emodin, aloe-emodin, rheum, tannic acids

Chinese Foxglove root, Rehmannia Glutinosa Radix, Sheng Di Huang
Nourishes Yin and Blood, Generates Fluids, Clears Heat, Cools Blood,
Major known constituents: B-sitosterol, mannitol, stigmasterol, camesterol, rehmannin

Ophthipogon tuber, Ophiopogonis, Tuber, Mai Men Dong
Moistens the Intestines, Nourishes the Yin, Clears Heat
Major known constituents: opthiopogonin, ruscogenin, B-sitosterol, stigmasterol

Tang Kwei root, Angelica Sinensis, Dang Gui
Tonifies Blood, Invigorates Blood, Mosistens the Intestines and Moves Stool.
Major known constituents: butylidene phthalide, n-valerophenone-o-carboxylic acid, Vitamin B-12, carotene, beta-sitosterol

Peach seed kernel, Persica Semen, Tao Ren
Breaks Congeled Blood, Moistens Dryness, Lubricates the Intestines
Major known constituents: amygdalin, emulsin, oleic acid, glyceric acid, linoleic acid

Unripe Bitter Orange, Citri Immaturus Fructus, Zhi Ke
Directs the Qi Downward, Moves Stool, Breaks Stagnations, Reduces Accumulations
Major known constituents: neohesperidin, naringin, rhoifolin, lonicerin, vitamin C