Ruta

Rue

Ruta graveolens

People who respond best to the Ruta remedy are prone to feelings of anxiety and panic and tend to be weepy. They may be quarrelsome and suspicious, often feeling that they are being constantly deceived or watched.

The classic symptom picture for Ruta is of connective tissue problems with marked stiffness and pain in the muscles and tendons, often due to sprains, overuse of the muscles, or injury. The pain is typically sore, bruised, aching, and accompanied by restlessness. Repetitive strain injuries, eye strain, ganglions, and chronic arthritis may be helped by Ruta, as may a stiff, sore lower back or sciatica.

Rue has been prescribed herbally since the time of ancient Greece and Egypt to induce abortion, strengthen the eyesight, and stimulate menstruation.

Uses

The herb is collected just before blossoming; it is pounded to a pulp and pressed for its juice, which is then diluted in a water-and-alcohol base.
Rue ( Ruta ) is an important remedy for bruising of the periosteum (the lining of the bones) with deep aching pain, rheumatism, tendon injuries, painful bruises, and sciatica (pain along the sciatic nerve) that is worse at night and when lying down. Ruta is also given for eyestrain, with hot, red-looking eyes, and eyestrain-induced headaches, often caused by reading small print.
The remedy is also used to treat chest weakness and breathing difficulty with pain over the breastbone, as in coughs and croup; infection of the tooth socket after a tooth extraction; prolapse of the rectum that is worse for stooping and crouching; constipation alternating with loose, blood-and mucus-filled stools; and tearing or stitch like pain in the rectum, as with rectal prolapse.
When ill, people who need Ruta may be depressed and lack personal satisfaction. They may also be critical of others and anxious.