* Please Note: Traditional Use information is provided as a courtesy only. Although we have done our best to review the validity of these uses and we continue to revise this information as new data emerges, the traditional uses indicated on this page for this product may be wrong. This information is based on Traditional and Folklore Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA and is not necessarily based on scientific evidence from any source. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Rue, Garden Ruta graveolens (Herb of Grace; Herbygrass)
Medicinal Usage
Rue was used to treat headaches, strained eyes, colic, indigestion, flatulence, heart palpitations and menstrual problems. Rue tea expelled intestinal worms. Externally, the herb was applied to sprains, bruises, rheumatic pains, gout, chilblains and skin diseases. Pliny said it was one the Roman's chief medicinal plants, and "an antidote for all poisons". He also said that it was eaten, with bread and cress, by engravers and painters to improve their vision. In large doses the herb is poisonous. Even handling the leaves can cause blisters, It should not be taken during pregnancy.
Culinary Usage
Rue, a strong aromatic herb, was used to give a bitter flavour to foods and alcoholic drinks, especially grappa. It was also added to salads.
Miscellaneous
A native of southern Europe and the Mediterranean, rue was introduced into England by the Romans, who not only believed that it improved eyesight, but that it had the power to bestow second sight on those who consumed it regularly. Indeed, it was for these vision-enhancing powers that Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo claimed to have taken the herb. The name is derived from the Greek for to set free, a reference to its efficacy as an antidote, or release from poisons. As a symbol of sorrow and repentance, rue was known as 'herb of grace' (for to Christians true repentance leads to God-given grace). Brushes of rue were used to sprinkle holy water in exorcisms and before a Mass, For Moslems the plant has a special significance, in that it is the only herb said to have been blessed by Muhammad, The phrase 'rue the day' comes from the custom of throwing a bunch of rue in the face of one's enemy, while cursing them. The herb was also worn for luck, and as a protection against witchcraft, the 'evil eye' and the plague. In medieval times, rue was placed near magistrates to protect them against gaol fever brought into court by prisoners. It was also hung inside houses to repel insects. Listed by Aelfric, the plant was used in perfumes and cosmetics.
Besides an essence, the plant contains an acid and a coloring matter, rutin. The fresh leaves when crushed cause violent irritation of the skin. Taken internally, Rue is a poison. A slight dose is a stimulant and useful antispasmodic in windy colics in particular. The seeds are vermifuge. One variety is believed to make the hair grow and was long used by the Egyptian women for this purpose.
The bitter and pungent aerial portions of rue (or garden tue) have beneficial health effects for the liver, spleen, nerves, tendons, uterus, and the circulatory system. Antispasmodic, emmenagogue, stimulant, and rubefacient properties have been confirmed in laboratory research. Rue is traditionally prescribed for spasms, neuralgias and cramps, menstrual cramps, and earaches. Biochemical analysis of the herb has revealed the presence of volatile oil, flavonoids, rutin, hypericin, tannin, pectin, and choline.
Rue is used in the treatment of nervous spasms, neuralgia, trauma, cramps, and to relax strained muscles and tendons. As such it is applied externally as alcoholic tincture or oil of rue. It is also taken internally as well but should be used moderately. A few drops of rue oil (made by macerating the herb in olive oil) can be applied to a wad of cotton to treat earaches in children or adults.
The Chinese use tincture of rue for sedation, relieving rheumatic pains, increasing local circulation and reducing swelling.
Given in small doses of one-half to one teaspoon at a time, the tincture helps relieve menstrual cramps and promotes blood circulation through the female reproduction organs. It should strictly be avoided during pregnancy.
Dosage: One teaspoon of the leaves m infusion, 10-15 drops of the tincture, externally as needed.
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Directions
Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 tea bag for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the pot, cover and let steep for 2-4 minutes. Pour into your cup; add milk and sugar to taste.
Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 5 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea itself. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into the serving pitcher straining the tea bags. Add ice and top-up with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
Cautions
Any possible allergic reaction to rue can be antidoted by applying goldenseal either internally or externally.
Additional Information
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
