Ask Arlene About Rue©

Ask Arlene About Rue©

By Arlene Wright-Correll

Recently we received this email question, “I was wondering if you know anything about the plant Rue and can I plant it here?”

Rue is an herb and it is a perennial plant that you can grow in zones 5 through 9. So we planted some in our Kentucky gardens here at Home Farm Herbery a long time ago and we sell the heirloom seeds worldwide and ship them free. 

Rue has a long history of use as a domestic remedy, being especially valued for its strengthening action on the eyes. The plant contains flavonoids (notably rutin) that reduce capillary fragility, which might explain the plants reputation as an eye strengthener. 

Some caution is advised in its use internally, however, since in large doses it is toxic and it can also cause miscarriages. 

The whole herb is abortifacient, anthelmintic, antidote, antispasmodic, carminative, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, haemostatic, ophthalmic, rubefacient, strongly stimulant, mildly stomachic and uterotonic.

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. An infusion is used in the treatment of hysterical affections, coughs, flatulence etc. 

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. 

An alkaloid found in the plant is abortifacient, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. A homeopathic remedy is obtained from the fresh herb, harvested in early summer shortly before flowering begins. 

This is used in the treatment of a variety of complaints including eye strain, headache and sprains. Known Medicinal Properties

Some important facts about Rue are it is used as an Abortifacient; Anthelmintic; Antidote; Anti-inflammatory; Antispasmodic; Carminative; Emetic; Emmenagogue; Expectorant; Haemostatic; Homeopathy; Ophthalmic; Rubefacient; Stimulant; Stomachic.

WARNING LABEL: Home Farm Herbery cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of seeds and/or plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a seed and/or plant for medicinal purposes.

“Tread the earth lightly …and may the Creative Force always be with you.

Arlene Wright-Correll

Home Farm Herbery