This herb was mentioned in Old English Herbals, a book comprising detailed descriptions of many plants and herbs (written by Eleanour Sinclair Rohde). European folk medicine widely used this herb. However, its usage has decreased because of its potential toxicity. It also is not often preferred due to its bitter taste. The herb is beneficial to health nonetheless. Learn more about them here.
Benefits Of Rue Herb
Ruta graveolens contain flavonoids which have anti-inflammatory properties (1). It also has antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, free radical scavenging, and antioxidant properties (2). Rue contains alkaloids which may exhibit anticancer benefits. It also has antibacterial and antifungal activity that may prevent fungal and bacterial infections (3), (4). It is an abortifacient, and is used to induce and increase menstrual flow, and cleanse the body.
Skin Benefits Of Rue
Rue oil is often used as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics. Due to its toxicity, rue is seldom applied to the skin directly. Yet, rue is known for some benefits for the skin:
1. Anti-Fungal
Rue has antifungal and antibacterial properties that might protect the skin from eczema caused by Staphylococcus aureus, and other infections (3). Depending on the severity of the infection, rue can be used directly on the skin, especially when one is suffering from athletes’ foot. It also provides instant relief from itchy skin.
2. For Clearer Skin
Rue may also reduce the risk of additional skin diseases (5). This herb is also said to have free radical scavenging properties which suggests that it might protect the skin from UV damage (6). It may also be used as an anti-bleeder to heal wounds (7).
Hair Benefits Of Rue
3. For Lice Free Hair
Being an effective insecticide, rue essential oil and extracts are often used to get rid of a lice infestation (8). Regular use of this oil can repel those pesky little parasites from your hair and help you stay itch free!
4. Get A Spa Treatment
A number of spas use rue oil for hair treatment, to give you hair that shines with health. This is the perfect recipe for healing damaged hair.
Health Benefits Of Rue
5. Sedative
Rue is effective in calming hysterical and epileptic attacks due to its sedative properties (9). It helps in desensitizing and relaxing the nerves while inducing numbness because of its neurotoxin content.
6. Insecticide
Pests like mosquitoes, cockroaches and flies cause a number disease. These insects can be driven away with the use of Rue. It can also be used as vaporizers, fumigants, incense sticks and burners in-order to ward off insects.
7. Anti-Bacterial
Rue protects us from bacterial infections by killing bacteria with its antibacterial properties (3). It can be used in the preparation of tea to fight urinary tract, intestine, and colon infections. It also protects us from food poisoning and salmonella.
8. Anti-Spasmodic
If you suffer from muscle pain, you can try rue. It is an excellent remedy for muscle pain, anxiety and menstrual cramps (5). It also can be used for sprains and bone injuries.
9. Anti-Inflammatory
Rue can reduce inflammation mainly caused by arthritis (5). Regular intake of 1-2 cups of rue herb tea helps in easing stiff muscles and relieves joint pains.
10. Remedy For Poison
Rue is known as an intidote to poison. It is highly effective on neurotoxins (E.g.: Snake bite, insect bite which are neurotoxin) but it cannot show any effect of haemotoxins.
Side Effects Of Rue
Rue, in all its forms, is poisonous, and should never be ingested directly (4), (5). But if one is careful about the amount, it can safely be used to cure a myriad of ailments. It has minor side effects which include:
Increased sensitivity to sun exposure Dizziness Rashes Spasms Mood changes Sleeplessness Stomach irritation
Rue is also associated with some serious side effects:
It can cause severe damage to the liver and kidneys. People with kidney/liver problems must not use any medicine/food related to rue. If people with stomach and intestinal problems such as colitis or ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease consume rue, it can worsen the problem. Pregnant women must avoid rue in all its forms as it can cause miscarriage. Rue can be used for abortion but it can have serious effects on a woman’s health and can even lead to death.
No wonder that rue’s use has nose dived in the recent years. But if one is careful, and follows the prescription of a doctor, rue can still be used to get relief from several health conditions. Why is rue called the herb of grace? Rue plant was believed to be effective in warding off evil spirits. Later on, it evolved into the Catholic practice of dipping rue branches in holy water and sprinkling on heads of parishioners as blessings giving it the name “Herb of grace”. How do you make rue tea? You can prepare rue tea by simply pouring enough boiling water over one gram of fresh plant or half a gram of dried plant. How much rue is toxic? Anything more than 0.5 to 1 g of the rue herb or 65 mg of the essential oil could be harmful.
