Sharad Cheeni | Chinese Rhubarb | शरद चीनी

What is Sharad Cheeni / Revand Chini?

Revand Chini is the root and rhizome of medicinal rhubarb. Traditionally, "Chinese rhubarb" (Rheum palmatum, Rheum officinale) was imported into India along the old trade routes, which is where the name chini comes from. Indian or Himalayan rhubarb (Rheum emodi, also called Rheum australe) is sold under the same name. This is not the garden rhubarb stalk eaten in Western desserts. It is the medicinal root.

Other names

How to identify genuine Revand Chini

• Colour: yellow to orange-brown outside, and bright yellow inside when broken, often with a starry or marbled pattern.
• Taste: bitter and astringent, and slightly gritty between the teeth.
• The yellow test: chewing a tiny piece stains the saliva yellow.
• Smell: faint and slightly smoky.

Traditional uses

• For digestion: in Unani and Ayurvedic practice, used in small amounts to support appetite and digestion.
• As a gentle laxative: traditionally used short-term for occasional constipation. Smaller amounts act as an astringent.
• In classical preparations: an ingredient of many Unani majoon and arq formulas.
• For the skin and teeth: powder mixed with chandan (sandalwood) as a traditional face pack, and added to herbal tooth powders.

These are traditional uses, not medical claims.

How to use Revand Chini

• Powder at home: grind a small piece into a fine powder as needed.
• Internal use: only in small amounts and on the advice of a Hakim or Ayurvedic practitioner, who will set the dose and duration.
• Face pack: mix a pinch of powder with chandan powder and rose water. Patch-test first.

Product details

Safety

Rhubarb root is a strong herb. Do not use it during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or give it to children under 12. Avoid it if you have kidney stones, intestinal blockage, or inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Do not use it for more than a short period or alongside other laxatives or diuretics. It may harmlessly colour urine yellow-red. Consult a doctor before use if you take regular medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sharad Cheeni called in English?

Sharad Cheeni, better known as Revand Chini, is rhubarb root in English, specifically the medicinal root of Rheum species such as Chinese rhubarb and Indian rhubarb.

Are Sharad Cheeni and Revand Chini the same?

Yes. Both names refer to the dried medicinal rhubarb root. Revand Chini (also written Rewand Chini) is the more common name.

What is the botanical name of Revand Chini?

Revand Chini comes from Rheum species: Chinese rhubarb (Rheum palmatum, Rheum officinale) and Indian rhubarb (Rheum emodi, also called Rheum australe).

What are the benefits of Revand Chini? (Revand chini ke fayde)

In Unani and Ayurvedic practice it is traditionally used in small amounts for digestion and appetite, short-term as a gentle laxative, and externally in face packs and tooth powders. These are traditional uses, not medical claims.

Is Revand Chini the same as garden rhubarb?

No. Garden rhubarb stalks are eaten as food. Revand Chini is the dried medicinal root of related Rheum species.

How do I identify genuine Revand Chini?

It is bright yellow inside with a marbled pattern, tastes bitter and slightly gritty, and stains saliva yellow when chewed.

Who should not take Revand Chini?

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under 12, and people with kidney stones, intestinal blockage or inflammatory bowel disease. Consult a doctor if you take regular medication.

How much does Sharad Cheeni cost?

Dhanyawad Ayurved sells Sharad Cheeni (Revand Chini) root at ₹280 per 100g, with delivery across India.

Information reviewed by Vaidya Ravinder Arora (40+ years), Dhanyawad Ayurved Vatika, Dwarka, New Delhi. Traditional uses only; not medical advice.