RUE

Latin Name: Ruta graveolens

Alternate Names: Herb Of Grace, Garden Rue, Herbygrass, Ruta (Spanish)

Family: RUTACEAE

Parts Used: Above ground portion.

Properties: Abortifacient, Anthelmintic, Antispasmodic, Antitussive, Aperient, Carminative, Cholagogue, Circulatory Stimulant, Diaphoretic, Emmenagogue, Nervine, Rubefacient, Sedative, Stimulant, Stomach Tonic.

Internal Uses: Amenorrhea, Bell's Palsy, Colic, Cough, Epilepsy, Hypertension, Hysteria, Multiple Sclerosis, Parasites, Worms

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

Rue is used both internally and topically to strengthen weak capillaries because of the rutin content. Painters and engravers have used small amounts of it to protect their eyesight. It helps spasmodic coughing.

Topical Uses: Backache, Ear Infection, Eye Soreness, Gout, Headache, Insect Repellent, Muscle Spasms, Rheumatism, Sore Throat, Wounds

Topical Applications: Eyewash for tired eyes (said to have been used by Michelangelo and Da Vinci for inner and outer vision). Insect repellent. Compress for wounds. Gargle for sore throat. Ear oil for ear infection. Massage oil for rheumatism. Liniment for gout, backache, muscle spasms. Fresh leaves are applied to the head as a headache remedy. Essential oil used in perfume.

Culinary uses: Very small amounts are added to salads, cheese, egg and fish dishes. Used in grappa con ruta, an Italian drink and other alcoholic beverages.

Energetics: Bitter, Pungent, Warm.

Chemical Constituents: Essential oil (limonene, pinene, anisic acid, phenol), flavonoids (rutin, quercitin), hypericin, furanocoumarins (bergapten, psoralen, xanthotoxin), alkaloids (arborine, fagarine, graveoline), tannin, pectin, choline, iron.

Contraindications: Use only in small doses -- no more than one dose daily. Large doses may cause photosensitivity. Avoid during pregnancy. Using large doses of Rue as an abortifacient can be toxic or even fatal to the mother. Sap of the stem may cause dermatitis.

Comments: The word Rue and the genus Ruta are derived from the Greek reuo, meaning 'to set free' in hopes of making one free of disease. Graveolens means 'heavy scented'. Branches of Rue have been used to sprinkle holy water before high masses, hence the nickname Herb of Grace. During the Middle Ages, Rue was used to lend protection against evil. It was one of the many herbs used in 'Four Thieves Vinegar' to prevent Bubonic Plague. Rue was used in mithridate, an antidote to a wide range of poisons in ancient Greece. Rue is said to have been the inspiration of the club design on playing cards.

-- Phil in KS (cshomestead@planetkc.com), May 16, 2002