Latin Name: Ruta graveolens
Herb Class/Action: Rue is classified as a bitter tonic, emmenagogue, and abortifacient herb.
Parts of Plant Used: The aerial parts of the rue plant, including the leaves and stems, are used for medicinal and culinary purposes.
Flavors: Rue has a strong, bitter flavor with pungent and aromatic undertones.
Energetics: Rue is energetically warming and drying.
Medicinal Properties:
- Digestive Aid: Rue acts as a bitter tonic to stimulate digestive function and promote appetite. It can help relieve symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and gas.
- Emmenagogue: Rue is used to stimulate menstrual flow and regulate menstrual cycles in women. It is traditionally used to relieve menstrual cramps and discomfort.
- Abortifacient: Rue has historically been used as an abortifacient to induce abortion. However, its use for this purpose is controversial and potentially dangerous, as it can cause serious side effects and complications.
In the Garden: Rue is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region but cultivated worldwide for its medicinal and ornamental value. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established. Rue has blue-green foliage and produces small, yellow flowers in the summer. It is often grown in herb gardens, rock gardens, and borders or used as a pest-repellent plant to deter insects and pests.
Culinary Uses: Rue is used sparingly in culinary preparations due to its strong, bitter flavor. It can be used to season meats, poultry, fish, and sauces or added to herbal vinegars and liqueurs for flavoring. However, it should be used with caution, as excessive consumption may cause digestive upset.
Precautions: Rue contains compounds such as rutin and furanocoumarins that can be toxic in high doses. It should not be consumed in large quantities or used medicinally without proper supervision from a qualified healthcare professional. Rue can cause skin irritation and photosensitivity in some individuals, particularly when the skin is exposed to sunlight after contact with the plant. Pregnant women should avoid rue due to its potential abortifacient effects, as it may increase the risk of miscarriage or birth defects.