Are Rhubarb Leaves Poisonous? What You Can Still Use Them For

Rhubarb leaves are poisonous and, unlike the delicious stick vegetables, they don’t really taste good either. But even if the rhubarb leaves are neither digestible nor healthy for us, you should not simply throw away the large leaves carelessly, because they can still provide you with very valuable services.

Poisonous rhubarb leaves – you can use the leaves for this

Rhubarb is not only refreshing and delicious but also healthy – but with a small caveat and that is called oxalic acid. The oxalic acid is poisonous and the rhubarb leaves, in particular, have stored quite a large amount of it.

• Like many other plants, rhubarb builds up protection against its predators and that is oxalic acid. In humans, excess oxalic acid can lead to the formation of kidney stones. In addition, oxalic acid prevents our organism from optimally processing important nutrients such as iron or vitamin D.
• But that shouldn’t stop us from using the large-scale rhubarb leaves anyway. Among other things, aphids can be easily eliminated with it. The rhubarb leaves can also be used as fertilizer.
• In addition to the oxalic acid, the rhubarb leaves have a very high potassium content, which is important for other plants. In the spring, in particular, gardeners like to give their plants an extra dose of potassium to boost growth a bit.
• If you want to get rid of the voracious aphids, simply spray the affected plant with the rhubarb leaf decoction. The oxalic acid contained in it ensures the death of the unloved crawling creatures within a short time.

Rhubarb leaves – this is how you quickly make a rhubarb stock

The rhubarb leaf stock is very easy to make: you only need a large container, such as an old water butt or a bucket, ideally with a lid.

• Fill the saucepan with water and add the rhubarb leaves. Leave the mixture for two to three days and your rhubarb leaf stock is ready. You can then put the leaves in the compost and ultimately recycle them in this way.
• A spray can is a great way to get rid of vermin. If you want to use the rhubarb leaf stock as fertilizer, put a little of it in the watering can.
• If there are a lot of slugs in your garden, lay out some of the fresh rhubarb leaves. The annoying little animals will enthusiastically attack it and you can remove the uninvited guests together with the rhubarb leaves.