Rue herb which is also known as the ‘Herb of Grace’ or by its botanical name – Ruta graveolens has been cultivated and used for many centuries for its medicinal uses. The herb is a member of the Rutaceae family and the word Ruta comes from the Greek meaning ‘to set free’.

Essentially it helps set the body free from a variety of diseases and poisons. The plant was used by the ancient Romans and Greeks and has an extremely colorful history of use besides its medicinal benefits.

It has a rich history of medicinal use and is still a popular remedy to this day. Despite its very bitter taste, it is still a popular culinary ingredient in kitchens around the world.

In times gone by, rue was also believed to improve both eyesight and creativity making it a popular herb among the artists of the day. Highly respected artists such as leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo apparently ate the leaves of the herbs to improve their own artistic abilities.

The ancient Greeks used the herb to protect against evil spells. Later on during the middle ages, the herb was regarded as a very powerful defense against evil and was used in spells to protect against witches and was believed to bestow a second sight. Even now, rue is used to ward off the evil influence of spirits in some Wiccan ceremonies.



Health benefits of Rue Leaf



Rue herb contains volatile oils, alkaloids, flavomoids, lignans and hydroxycoumarins. The herb can boast a variety of medicinal properties including antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal and emmenagogue activities.

- Rich antioxidant potential makes it the perfect antidote for premature signs of aging such as wrinkles and other blemishes.

- It is possible to apply rue herb directly to the skin in order to deal with a fungal infection.

- One of the traditional uses of the herb was to strengthen the capillaries and to keep high blood pressure in check.

- Because the herb has calming properties, rue like many other herbs has long been used to soothe the nerves and relieve the effects of tension and anxiety.

- Teas made from this herb are also used to ensure a good night of sleep.

- Rue is just one of a number of herbs with emmenagogue properties that are known to help stimulate menstruation and improve the regularity of a woman’s cycle.

- Rue has good anti-inflammatory properties which may help relieve internal and external inflammation. It is especially well regarded for its ability to treat joint pain and conditions like rheumatism and arthritis.

- Rue has traditionally been used to ward off nasty invaders like flies, mosquitoes and cockroaches. Rue can be used in the form of incense sticks or added to vaporizers and sprays to keep your home free of invasion.




Preparation:



Put 1g of dry herb into 1 cup of boiling water. Let stand for 5-10 minutes. Drink maximal 3 cups per day, between the meals.