Visit our store for a wider selection and the best deals or order for pick up - 12249 San Pablo Ave Richmond, CA 94805

BETTER PRICES AND FULL SELECTION OF SPICES AVAILABLE IN STORE

The online catalog is not a reflection of in-store prices.

FOR IN-STORE CUSTOMERS, CALL US TO ASK ABOUT A SPECIFIC PRODUCT IN STOCK BEFORE COMING IN.

(510) 232-1911

Rhubarb Root: What It Is and How to Use It

Rhubarb Root: What It Is and How to Use It

Rhubarb root is the dried root of medicinal rhubarb species (Rheum officinale and Rheum palmatum), a staple of traditional Chinese herbalism for thousands of years. It is completely different from the garden rhubarb stalks used in pies — this is the bitter, earthy root, sold dried and cut for herbal use. You can find it at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805, where we carry it in our bulk herb section.

Available in Bulk

We carry rhubarb root in our bulk herb section so you can grab the exact amount you want — from a spoonful to try it to a full bag for your apothecary shelf. Our staff can help you locate it in the bulk bins and answer questions about the forms we stock.

What We Carry

  • Rhubarb root, cut and sifted (C/S) — dried root pieces for teas and traditional preparations, sold by weight.
  • Rhubarb root powder — fine-ground root for customers who prefer powder form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rhubarb root the same as the rhubarb in pie?

No — they come from different species. Garden rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is grown for its tart stalks, while medicinal rhubarb root comes from Asian species grown specifically for the root. The root is much more bitter and potent than the stalks, and it is used as an herb rather than a food.

What does rhubarb root taste like?

Rhubarb root is intensely bitter and earthy, with a slightly astringent quality. It is not something most people drink for pleasure — it is traditionally prepared as a strong decoction (simmered rather than steeped) in small amounts. The bitterness is characteristic of many traditional digestive herbs.

How is rhubarb root traditionally used?

In traditional Chinese herbalism, rhubarb root (known as da huang) has been used for thousands of years and is typically simmered into decoctions, often combined with other herbs. Western herbalists adopted it in the 18th and 19th centuries as a bitter digestive herb. Because it is a strong herb, traditional preparations always used it in small amounts.

How should rhubarb root be stored?

Keep the cut root or powder in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture, like any dried botanical. Stored properly, the cut root holds its quality for a year or more; powder loses potency faster, so buy only what you will use within a few months.

Did you know? Rhubarb root is described in the Shennong Ben Cao Jing, one of the oldest known materia medica texts, compiled in China roughly 2,000 years ago — making it one of the longest-documented herbs in continuous use (source: historical records of Chinese herbal medicine).

Visit William's Natural Foods at 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA — open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. Our staff are happy to help you find rhubarb root in the bulk herb section.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional about any health questions.