Ruta graveolens
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.
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
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.