Rue: Benefits and contraindications

Rue is a plant used in the world of natural medicine for its benefits, but it also has contraindications that are necessary to know. Next, we will detail these aspects:

Rue is a woody, perennial shrub with a strong scent that grows to about a meter in height. It has bluish-gray leaves with small yellow flowers. Rue is considered to be native to southern Europe and northern Africa, but is now cultivated in many parts of the world.

It belongs to the Rutaceae family, which contains a wide variety of aromatic plants, which grow mainly in tropical regions. The name of rue’s botanical genus, Ruta, is derived from the Greek word reuo, meaning «to release,» because the herb was thought to be effective in treating disease.

Historic information The first records of the medicinal and culinary uses of the rue They date back to ancient India and Iran, and mentions of the herb appear in several classic texts of Ayurveda and Unani medicine.

The ancient Greeks and Romans also held rue in high regard. The renowned physician Dioscorides listed more than a dozen topical uses for the herb, and Pliny considered rue leaves infused in wine as a powerful antidote against fungus, snake bites, mad dog bites, and scorpion stings.

During the 14th century, rue was an ingredient in the Vinegar of the Four Thieves, a drink thought to prevent bubonic plague. The supposed benefits of the herb were so many that Renaissance visual and plastic artists, such as Michelangelo and Da Vinci, consumed rue to improve their vision.

Spanish explorers are believed to have introduced rue to the Americas, from where it quickly spread to the rest of the world.

popular beliefs The ancient Greeks used to burn rue or take baths with the infused herb to ward off witches and evil spells. This tradition persisted through the Middle Ages and, even today, rue is believed to bring prosperity and good luck in many cultures around the world.

Another common name for rue is hierba-de-gracia, and it comes from the Catholic tradition of using a rue brush to sprinkle holy water during mass.

Economic data While rue is not the most well-known herb, it is produced and purchased for a number of reasons. Rue is used as a culinary additive for flavoring, as an ornamental garden plant, and for its essential oils. Rue is readily cultivated throughout the world, so no significant for-profit industry has developed.

Other uses

Cosmetic products. Rue extract is used for fragrances, soaps, and other personal care products.

Gardening. Rue is a popular ornamental plant, not only because of its unusual blue-gray leaves and bright yellow flowers, but because it repels garden pests such as flies, mosquitoes, beetles, slugs, fleas and cats

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Health benefits of rue

anti-inflammatory properties, painkillers and cardioprotective properties of rue have a well-deserved reputation in traditional medicine, and scientific studies have corroborated some of these popular uses, such as:

Relieve inflammatory pain. Rue has been used for centuries to treat menstrual painrheumatism, arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

Reduce the risk of thrombosis. Rue can help prevent blood clots, strengthen blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and reduce edema.

Other popular rue applications include its use as an insect repellent and antiparasitic agent.

Additionally, early research suggests that rue may help alleviate arrhythmia and improve eye health, as well as inhibit some strains of bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Trichomonas vaginalis.

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How does it work

The main active components of rue are flavonoids, rutin, quercetin, furocoumarin and limonins. Rutin, also known as rutoside, plays an important role in preventing the creation of free radicals that cause cell damage. In addition to its antioxidant properties, rutin also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and a vasodilator, strengthening blood vessel walls and relieving edema, thus preventing blood clots and reducing the risk of thrombosis.

Additionally, rutin may help decrease cholesterol toxicity, which is believed to be the cause of atherosclerosis.

Rue also contains alkaloids, vitamin K, and volatile oils, which have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic, diuretic, and stimulant properties.

Herbs well known for their anti-inflammatory properties are also turmeric and devil’s claw, while ginkgo and rosemary also promote good circulation and prevent cardiovascular disease.

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Contraindications and side effects of rue

When used topically, rue can cause allergic reactions. Reported symptoms include redness, blistering, and increased pigmentation. Consuming this herb in any form can also increase sensitivity to sunlight and the risk of miscarriage, as well as further reduce low blood pressure.

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It should be noted that rue can be toxic if taken in high doses, so it is important to consult a doctor before consuming this herb in medicinal amounts.

The combination of rue with certain drugs can alter its medicinal action. People taking medications for heart conditions, such as digoxin and Dobutrex, as well as any blood pressure-lowering medications, are advised to seek a medical opinion before consuming rue.

Rue can also counteract the effects of fertility drugs, and pregnant women should never take rue as it can cause a spontaneous abortion.

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