Rue

Ruta graveolens

Common Rue Countryman's-treacle Garden Rue German Rue Herb-of-grace Rue Parts used Uses Habitat and cultivation Constituents How much to take Rue Vinegar for the Bath

Fresh leaves of the small, yellow-flowered, evergreen shrub, Ruta graveolens L. (family Rutaceae) emit a strongly disagreeable odor, which, once smelled, will not be forgotten. Native to Europe, but naturalized and cultivated in the United States, this unpleasantly aromatic plant has been used since ancient times to prevent contagion (plague) and to repel insects as well as to heal their bites. Dried rue leaves, which are less fragrant due to loss of much of their contained volatile oil, have also long been used as a folk remedy, particularly as an antispasmodic (to relieve cramps), a calmative, an emmenagogue (promotes the menstrual flow), and an abortifacient.

Rue does contain a number of active constituents. A mixture of quinoline alkaloids, present in the herb to the extent of 1.4 percent, and especially one designated arborinine, possess spasmolytic and abortifacient properties. Coumarin derivatives, a large number of which are present in the plant and in its volatile oil, also contribute appreciably to its spasmolytic properties.

Several statements about rue in the current herbal literature need clarification. There is no evidence to support the assertion that any adverse symptoms from an overdose of the medication can be overcome by administering a small amount of goldenseal. It is certainly doubtful that rubbing fresh rue leaves on the forehead will cure a headache, but it is reasonably certain that, if exposed to the sun, this will result in a kind of dermatitis much worse than the original headache.

Although there is little question about the antispasmodic action of rue, there is appreciable doubt about the utility and safety of the medication, especially in the fresh state. German health authorities have concluded that neither rue nor any of its preparations should be utilized in medicine for two reasons: In the first place, its utility is unproven. Second, there is a very unfavorable risk-benefit ratio for the herb. Belief in rue as a valuable medicinal agent is as ridiculous as the belief that if the gunflints for a flintlock muzzle loader were boiled in a mixture of rue and vervain, the shot would hit its mark no matter how poor the aim of the marksman.

Highly regarded since ancient times, rue was recognized as medicinally helpful for more than 80 complaints by the time of the early Roman Empire. The first-century A.D. scholar Pliny reported that it preserved eyesight and noted that painters and engravers ate a good deal of rue. In the 16th and 17th centuries, herbals advocated it as an antidote for all sorts of poisons, from toadstools to serpent bites. Because of rue's strong, rather musty odor, it enjoyed particular prominence for warding off pestilences. In the Middle Ages the well-off carried nosegays of rue out of doors to drive away the lice of beggars, and even into the 18th century, bouquets were placed in law courts to counteract prisoners' vermin and germs. At one time in Catholic churches, brushes made of rue were used to sprinkle holy water before Mass-a practice that may explain another of the plant's common names, herb-of-grace.

After settlers introduced rue into America, it became a popular folk remedy, and doctors and apothecaries specified it for many uses as an antispasmodic, an emmenagogue (an agent that brings on menstruation), and an anthelmintic (an agent to destroy intestinal worms), to name a few.

PARTS USED

Aerial parts.

USES

Rue is chiefly used to encourage the onset of menstruation. Rue stimulates the muscles of the uterus and promotes menstrual blood flow. In European herbal medicine, rue has also been taken to treat conditions as varied as hysteria, epilepsy, vertigo, colic, intestinal worms, poisoning, and eye problems. The latter use is well founded since an infusion used as an eyewash brings quick relief to strained and tired eyes, and reputedly improves the eyesight. Rue has been used to treat many other conditions, including multiple sclerosis and Bell's palsy.

Other medical uses
Homeopathy.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Rue grows in the Mediterranean region, preferring open, sunny sites. Rue is also cultivated in many parts of the world as both a garden ornamental , and a medicinal plant. The aerial parts are gathered in summer.

CONSTITUENTS

Rue contains about 0.5% volatile oil (including 50-90% 2-undecanone), flavonoids (including rutin), furanocoumarins (including bergapten), about 1.4% furoquinoline alkaloids (including fagarine, skimmianine, arborinine, and others). Rutin has the effect of supporting and strengthening the inner lining of blood vessels and reducing blood pressure.

HOW MUCH TO TAKE

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 - 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10 - 15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.
Tincture: take 1 - 4 ml of the tincture three times a day.

RUE VINEGAR FOR THE BATH

• 1 cup tightly packed fresh rue leaves
• 1 cup tightly packed fresh sage leaves
• 2 slices fresh ginger root, or 1 tsp. ginger powder
• 2 cups white vinegar
• 2 cups water

In a small saucepan, bring the water and the vinegar to a rapid boil, and throw in the herbs and the ginger. Allow to boil up once, then remove from the heat and steep overnight. Strain, then bottle. Use 1 cupful for a tub of bath water.