Rue Herb Leaf
A Brief History
Rue was well-respected by Hippocrates for its medicinal qualities. Aristotle touted it as essential for calming nervousness. Pliny recorded that it was used by artists to encourage eye health. When tied in bunches, this plant, also known as “herb of grace,” was used in churches and cathedrals to sprinkle holy water. Rue was one of the active ingredients of Four Thieves’ Vinegar, which was said to protect the opportunists who stole from those suffering from the effects of the Black Death. It was sprinkled on the floors of courthouses and carried by judges to ward of the illness and fleas that so often afflicted the incarcerated poor. The colloquial saying, “rue the day” is said to come from the discomfort caused by handling the leaves of Ruta graveolens. Its leaves are said to be the basis for the suit of clubs used on playing cards for centuries. This varied history only scratches the surface of this interesting and useful herb.
Native Invasive Plant
Ruta graveolens is thought to have come to southern Europe via northern Africa and the Mediterranean region. This hardy evergreen shrub then established itself throughout the continent and, with the help of British and Spanish colonialism, became a favorite in cottage gardens in the West Indies, India, Mexico and the United States. It is now a naturalized member of the flora of both North and South America and thrives easily in USDA growing zones 6 through 11. Standing up to two feet tall, Rue’s little yellow flowers and green-gray stems and leaves can be found in culinary and medicinal herb gardens, butterfly habitats and growing of its own accord along roadways.
Rue Health Benefits
Historically, Rue has been used to relieve the pain associated with the physical symptoms of complaints such as gout, rheumatism, and sciatica. Along with alleviating the uncomfortable effects of gas and colic, rue was thought to expel worms from the body. Throughout the years of its use, rue has been used to promote menstruation. It is also used as a digestive tonic and to stimulate the appetite. The herb is edible and often used in salads. It is a good source of flavonoids.
Benefits of Rue Herb
According to the “Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database,” Ruta gravealens or rue contains alkaloids, which have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anti-fertility and antihistamine properties. Rue also contains a plant compound called rutin, which is an antioxidant that helps prevent free radical damage.
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 helps our body fight against fungal infections such as dermatitis and athletes’ foot. 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
The anti-fungal properties of rue also helps it to cure de-complexion of the skin, to reveal a more beautiful and clear skin.The anti-oxidant properties of rue ensures that your skin wards off free radicals that cause premature ageing of the skin, keeping your skin looking young and happy. This is why rue oil is often used in spas for providing therapeutic facial steams.
3. For Lice Free Hair
Being an effective insecticide, rue essential oil and extracts are often used to get rid of a lice infestation. 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.
5. Sedative
Rue is effective in calming hysteric and epileptic attacks due to its sedative properties. 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 anti-bacterial properties. 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.
9. Anti-Inflammatory
Rue can reduce inflammation mainly caused by arthritis. 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.