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Information about the herb Rue
Ruta graveolens , also known as Ave-grace is part of the Rutacaea plant family. Rue originates from Southern Europe.
Botanical Name: Ruta graveolens
Plant Family: Rutacaea
Common Names: Ave-grace, Common Rue, Garden Rue, German Rue, Herb of Grace, Herbygrass
History: The name Ruta is from the Greek reuo, which means 'to set free'. It was used by the ancients, and Hipprocates especially recommends it. Turner mentions Rue in his Herbal of 1562.
In Iraq it was given to soldiers to instill courage.
Tradition:
- Added to baths it was thought to drive away spells and hexes
- In the Middle Ages it was considered a powerful defense against witchcraft and was used in many spells
- It was thought to bestow the user with second sight
- It was used in sachets and amulets to ward off illness
- Rue leaves placed on the forehead was thought to chase away headaches
- The smell of the fresh, crushed herb was thought to chase away thoughts of envy, egotism and love gone wrong
Contains:
- caprinic acid
- caprylic acid
- oenanthylic acid
- plagonic acid
- rutin
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin P
Medicinal Parts Used: Herb
Rue is used for:
Blood Conditions
- strengthens the capillary veins
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
- acute pains in the head
- anxiety
- convulsions
- epilepsy
- fainting spells
- hysterical affections
- nervous heart problems
- nervousness
- spasms
- tension headaches
- vertigo
Cardiovascular Conditions
- arteriosclerosis, combined with Hawthorn, Horsetail, Mistletoe and Shepherd's Purse
- increases peripheral circulation
- lowers high blood pressure
- venous congestion
Eyesight
- makes the sight both sharp and clear
- preserves of sight
Female Conditions
- congestion of the uterus
- heart palpitations in menopausal women
- painful menstruation
- promotes the onset of menstruation
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- abdominal troubles
- colic
- cramps in the bowels
- flatulence (gas/wind)
- improves appetite and digestion
- stomach cramps
Genitourinary Conditions
- relieves gouty pains
Inflammatory Conditions
- relieves rheumatic pains
Parasitic Conditions
- eliminates worms
Respiratory Conditions
- colic
- croup
- coughs
- difficult breathing
- head congestion
Other
- nausea
- tendonitis (internally and externally)
- wards off fever
Rue is used in small amounts to expel poisons from the system, such as from bites of:
- snake
- scorpion
- spider
- jellyfish
Externally Rue is used for:
- gout
- pains in the joints
- rheumatism
- sciatica
- warts
Action:
- anthelmintic [an agent that destroys or expels intestinal worms and/or parasites; vermicide; vermifuge]
- antispasmodic [an agent which relieves or eases muscular spasms, cramps or convulsions]
- carminative [an agent for easing griping pains, colic and expelling gas from the intestines]
- emetic [an agent that causes vomiting]
- emmenagogue (warm infusion)
- nervine [an agent that has a calming or soothing effect on the nerves, any agent that acts on the nervous system to restore the nerves to their natural state]
- rubefacient [a gentle local irritant that produces blisters, inflammation and reddening of the skin]
- stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the functional activity of the tissues giving more energy]
- stomachic [an agent that strengthens, stimulates or tones the stomach]
Caution: Rue should not be
- taken in excess as large doses can cause mild poisoning
- taken with meals
- used by pregnant women
Rue Oil
- is a dangerous abortive
- may produce nerve derangements in large doses
Juices from the fresh plant may cause:
- dermatitis in sensitive people
- the skin to blister
Global Herbal Supplies has Rue available in the following forms:
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
