Ruta graveolens
| 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: 1:1.4 fresh strength liquid extract: 1-4 drops 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. In small doses it is taken internally for similar conditions. 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.