Rue
|
Botanical Name |
Ruta graveolens |
|
Family |
Rutaceae |
|
Other Names |
Garden rue, herb of grace, herb of repentance, herby grass ruta |
|
Description |
Evergreen perennial shrub. Up to 60cm/2ft. Leaves: alternate, stalked Blue-green foliage. Yellow flowers, 5 concave petals June-July. Woody erect stem. |
|
Native to |
Mediterranean Introduced to England by Romans |
|
Part Used |
Top part of plant |
|
Cultivation |
Full sun. Well drained, sandy soil, slight alkaline soil. Trim after flowering Sow seeds March or April |
|
Harvesting |
Before flowering |
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Preserving |
Dry in shade |
|
Actions |
Antitoxic, antitussive, antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic, emmenagogue, insecticidal, nervine, rubefacient, stimulant, tonic, vermifuge |
|
Extraction |
Steam distillation of herb |
|
Constituents |
Up to 90% methyl nonyl ketone Volatile oil: 2-undecanone, 2-heptanol, 2-nonalol, 2-nonanone, limonene, pinene, anisic acid, phenol, guaiacol, linlyl acetate, menthol Flavonoids: rutin, quercetin Coumarins: bergapten, daphnoretin, isoimperatonin, naphthoherniarin, psoralen, pangelin, rutamarin, rutarin, rutaciltin, scopoletin, gravelliferone, umbelliferone Alkaloids: arborine, arborineine, gamma fagarine, graveoline, graveolinine, kokusaginine, rutacridine, skimmianine, 1-hydroxy-3-methoxy-N-methylacridone |
|
Skin |
Rashes, varicose veins |
|
Circulatory, muscle joint |
Rheumatism, cramps |
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Other Notes |
Used by witch finders Seen as a magic herb by many cultures –used as protection from the evil eye The Romans claimed it gave people second sight or psychic powers Folklore has it that it was used for both cursing and protection against curses The expression “you will rue the day” relates to the bad luck associated with it It was the inspiration behind the suit of clubs in playing cards Ruta comes from the Greek “reuo” meaning to set free |
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Caution |
Should only be used by qualified professionals. Do not use if pregnant |