Rumex varieties of ancient literature,clinical application and modern pharmacological research were reviewed in this article. It is found that less varieties of ancient documents and clinical application of Rumex exists, and they mainly focus on R. japonicus Houtt., R. obtusifolius L., R. nepalensis Spreng., and used for Hemostasis, anti-inflammatory, treatment of skin diseases. There are kinds of modern pharmacological researches, most of which are R. japonicus Houtt., Rumex patientia L. and then R. obtusifolius L., Rumex crispus L., R.nepalensis Spreng., and they can be used as antimicrobial, hemostasis, liver protection, hypoglycemic action, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, treatment of skin diseases. But the corresponding clinical application, and ancient literature on the pharmacological research are still not enough. Identification and labeling of varieties for clinical application of few single herbs and most of the compound preparations are still insufficient.