It is native to the Balkan Peninsula. The Spanish brought Rue to Mexico. It is now grown throughout the world in gardens, especially for its bluish leaves, and sometimes for its tolerance of hot and dry soil conditions. It is also cultivated as a medicinal herb.
Rue has long been considered an herb that protects one from both disease as well as “negative energies” of others. Rue’s potent smell is a signal of it’s powerful medicinal effects. Women in the Comunidad Indigena de Chacala consider rue one of the most important plants to have in the garden and is routinely used for the “headaches” of life.
Rue is a very popular plant most often used for headaches, anxiety, and it is applied to pimples. It also kills intestinal worms, reduces menstrual and stomach pains, kills off warts, and decreases sciatic pains. A tea made with rue leaves is a good antidote for scorpion and spider bites, as well as snakebites. Apply the leaves to the affected area after using them in the tea.
Rue has been known to cause abortions and hemorrhaging when taken in large quantities. Pregnant women should use it very sparingly. In general, it should be taken in very small quantities; a cup of tea at a time. For making the tea, add a small handful of fresh or dried rue leaves and root to 2 cups of simmering water. Strain and drink. It can also be used topically on animal bites.
Scientific studies have shown rue to be a natural analgesic (Micael et al. 2015). It contains the flavonoid rutin, an antioxidant that strengthens the inner lining of blood vessels, reduces bruising and reduces blood pressure. Rue is also shown to be an effective anti-spasmodic (reduces contractions/spasms) that may account in part for its efficacy against scorpion stings and its pre-20th century use against rabies. It also reduces stomach cramps and will bring on menstruation.
Rue is used as an abortifacient (abortion-causing) in humans and horses, however, it also causes dangerous systemic reactions when used for these purposes.
Baharvand-Ahmadi, B., Bahmani, M., Zargaran, A., Eftekhari, Z., Saki, Kourosh, Baharvand-Ahmadi, S. & Rafieian-Kopaei, M. (2015) Ruta graveolens plant: A plant with a range of high therapeutic effect called cardiac plant. Der Pharmacia Lettre, 7 (11). pp. 172-173. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84950321533&partnerID=40&md5=f5c277a99282ddc2b7cb2fe606571a56
Micael, R. C., Tahira, S. M., Fatima, M. M. M., & Jan, C. D. (2015). Analgesic activity of Ruta graveolens L. (Rue) extracts. African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 9(1), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.5897/ajpp2014.4152
Doña Sara: Good afternoon Patty. How are you?
Doña Patricia: Well, not so well Sara. I have a really strong headache because my stomach hurts.
Doña Sara: Have you had some tea?
Doña Patricia: Yes, but it didn’t seem to help much.
Doña Sara: Was it rue tea? Well, that’s what you need. Rue is very good for headaches. I have some at home. I’m going to go look for it for you right now.
Doña Patricia: Thank you Sara. I’d really appreciate that.
Rue is contraindicated among pregnant women. Take care if applying rue to the skin as the interaction with the sun may cause irritation or blistering in some people.