4 Unique Uses of Rhubarb: Did you know these historical uses of rhubarb throughout the years?

rhubarb

Did you know that for a large part of its history, rhubarb was believed to be completely inedible? So, for many years, people turned to the vegetable for other strange and unique uses beyond our now-common pies and pastries. This weekend, the Lancaster County Rhubarb Festival is taking place, so we’re celebrating by exploring the interesting ways people have used rhubarb throughout history.

Medicinal Rhubarb

For centuries, people have used rhubarb to treat various ailments. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties make it perfect for treating bacterial illnesses and helping with certain stomach issues. Some doctors prescribe rhubarb powder to help patients who suffer from stomach bleeding. However, forms of rhubarb and their treatments significantly affect their efficiency, so always talk to a health professional before trying a treatment for yourself.

Rhubarb in Shampoo

Before commercial beauty products were widely available, many used a mixture of rhubarb, honey, and wine as a shampoo. Even today, as all-natural beauty products are making a comeback, rhubarb hair products are popular. Many love the vegetable’s smell and cleaning properties, making it perfect for those seeking all-natural haircare.

Rhubarb as Insecticide

When rhubarb was first eaten in England, many mistakenly discarded the stalk and ate the leaves. The problem? Rhubarb leaves contain high levels of oxalic acid, which is toxic to consume. Many got sick, and this was ultimately the reason rhubarb was deemed inedible. But while these leaves aren’t suitable for human consumption, they’re an excellent solution for ridding your garden of pests! Even today, many use a rhubarb leaf and dish soap mixture to spray on their plants and rid them of leaf-eating insects like slugs and caterpillars.

An Eco-Friendly Cleaning Agent

If you have dull and scorched pots and pans, rhubarb has a solution for you. Beginning in the 1940s, women would chop and boil their rhubarb stalks to re-shine old pots and pans. Cheaper than your average cleaner, rhubarb is the perfect solution for a quick, all-natural shine.

For years, rhubarb has served us in all kinds of ways: medicine, insecticides, cleaning agents, and delicious desserts. If you’re ready to celebrate this vegetable and our favorite use (baked goods and jams), check out this year’s Rhubarb Festival at Kitchen Kettle Village this weekend! Buy yourself a bunch for cooking (or cleaning), enjoy live music, and pay homage to this famous vegetable! The festival will take place all day Friday and Saturday, and we’ll be there selling rhubarb bunches and cookbooks, so you won’t want to miss out!

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