Larger doses of rhubarb root are used as a laxative, whilst smaller doses are used for diarrhoea.Always take with a carminative herb such as chamomile, dill, fennel, angelica etc to avoid griping. Avoid during pregnancy and breast-feeding, and do not take for longer than 10 days. Do not give to children. Avoid if suffering from intestinal obstruction, diarrhoea, kidney stones, gout, inflammatory bowel disease or undiagnosed bowel symptoms. Chronic constipation is better treated by modifying diet and using bulking agents. Seek the advice of a medical herbalist.