Rue - Ruta Graveolens

Rue - Ruta graveolens in the Rutaceae or Rue family

Part used: Aerial parts in green seed pod stage.

Taste/smell: Bitter.

Tendencies: Cooling.

Dosage: Various homeopathic dilutions 1-3 times per day. The infused oil is used externally.

Mental picture and specific indications: Rue is indicated for sprains, especially flexor tendon sprains, deposits in joints, especially the wrist, bruised sensations, bruised bones, feeling of weakness and despair. It is beneficial for all injuries of the periosteum and cartilage. Symptoms are worse lying down and from cold and wet weather.

Use: (a) Antispasmodic activity on smooth muscles, (b) Abortifacient, (c) Antimicrobial.

Rue is used externally for tendonitis, sprains, strains and bruises. Internally it is often used as a homeopathic or extremely small doses. It has possible calcium antagonist activity.

Contraindications: Due to the abortifacient constituent, skimmianine, it is contraindicated in pregnancy. There is a potential for drug interaction with blood thinning agents. Internal overdose will cause gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, renal irritation, liver degeneration, prostration and death. Externally, excess use of ruta can cause skin irritation resulting in burning, redness and vesiculation. Internal use of this herb should only be undertaken under the guidance of a trained health care professional.

If you are looking for directions on making teas or tinctures, please see our "Making Herbal Products" page.

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Copyright 1999 by Sharol Tilgner, N.D. (ISBN 1-881517-02-0) - all rights reserved.