Rue, Common rue, Herb of Grace, Garden Rue

Ruta graveolens

Physical Characteristics

Ruta graveolens is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Butterflies. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

S. Europe.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Ground Cover; Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Condiment Rutin Tea Leaves - raw or used as a seasoning[2, 7, 19, 21, 27, 89]. It is occasionally eaten in salads[4], but is strongly aromatic and slightly toxic, so should only be used in small quantities[7, 19, 148, 183]. The taste is strong and bitter[238]. The leaves contain rutin, which has a beneficial effect upon the circulatory system[218]. Some caution is advised, see notes on toxicity above. The leaves can be brewed into a tea[183].

Medicinal Uses

Abortifacient Anthelmintic Antidiarrhoeal Antidote Antiinflammatory Antispasmodic Carminative Emetic Emmenagogue Expectorant Haemostatic Homeopathy Ophthalmic Rubefacient Stimulant Stomachic Rue has a long history of use as a domestic remedy, being especially valued for its strengthening action on the eyes[4]. The plant contains flavonoids (notably rutin) that reduce capillary fragility, which might explain the plants reputation as an eye strengthener[238]. Some caution is advised in its use internally, however, since in large doses it is toxic and it can also cause miscarriages[4, 7, 238]. The whole herb is abortifacient, anthelmintic, antidote, antispasmodic, carminative, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, haemostatic, ophthalmic, rubefacient, strongly stimulant, mildly stomachic and uterotonic[4, 7, 21, 165, 218]. The tops of fresh shoots are the most active medicinally, they should be gathered before the plant flowers and can be used fresh or dried[4]. An infusion is used in the treatment of hysterical affections, coughs, flatulence etc[4]. The juice of the plant has been used in treating earaches and chewing a leaf or two is said to quickly bring relief from giddiness, nervous headaches, palpitations etc[4]. An alkaloid found in the plant is abortifacient, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic[218]. A homeopathic remedy is obtained from the fresh herb, harvested in early summer shortly before flowering begins[232]. This is used in the treatment of a variety of complaints including eye strain, headache and sprains[232].

Known Hazards

All parts of this plant are poisonous in large quantities[19]. It should not be used at all by pregnant women since it can induce abortions[165]. The sap contains furanocoumarins, sensitizing the skin to light and causing blistering or dermatitis in sensitive people[200].