Common Rue
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Common rue, rue, herb-of-grace, or scientifically known ruta graveolens, is a species of ruta grown as an ornamental plant and as a herb. Rue is common in the Balkan Peninsula. For milennia, common rue has held an important role in natural and folk medicinal wisdom.

Rue is thought to have come to southern Europe throught Africa and the Mediterranean region. This evergreen shrub slowly established itself throughout the continent and, with the colonialism the British and Spanish did, rue became a favourite in gardens in the West Indies, India, Mexico and the United States.

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, the 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 oppurtunists 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 the plant. Its leaves are said to be the basis for the suit of clubs used on playing cards for centuries.

Rue has a culinary use if used sparingly, but it is bitter tasting and some may experience discomfort digesting the plant. Although used more extensively in former times, it is not a herb that is typically found in modern cuisine, and is today largely unknown to the general public and most chefs and unavailable in grocery stores. It is component of the Berbere spice mix, the characteristic Ethiopian spice mixture and as such is encountered in Ethiopian cuisine. Rue was extensively used ancient Roman cuisine and the leaves as well as the berries are to this day an important part of Ethiopian cuisine. Rue is used as a traditional flavouring in Greece and other Mediterranean countries, as many old scripts point out. The bitter leaves can be added to eggs, cheese, fish, or mixed with damson plums and wine to produce a meat sauce.

Medicinal Application:

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 the plant's medicinal use, it has been used to promote menstruation.

It is also used as a digestive tonic and to stimulate the appetite. The hebr is edible and often used in salads.

It is a good source of flavonoids.

Safety Profile:

Women during their pregnancy, or that believe they may be pregnant, should not use rue in any form. Its history as an emmenagogue suggests that it can induce miscarriage. Rue should not be used in large dosages as it can cause some poisoning in sensitive people. Finally, the juice of the fresh plant in an irritant when applied to the skin in a concentrated area. People with sensitive skin should avoid topical application of the plant. 

This is to inform you that we are not doctors. What is written above has a simple character and in no way replaces medical application. Always consult your doctor about your health issues.