What is Ruda for?, Medicinal Uses and Precautions

The rue

This plant, belonging to the Rutaceae family and scientifically known as Ruta graveolens, grows easily in open environments in temperate or slightly cool climates, making it tolerant of dry soils. It is a perennial, shrubby species with a semi-woody base. Its leaves are a slightly bluish-green color. Its flowers are yellow, and the fruit consists of round capsules containing black seeds. The plant emits a strong, pungent odor.

It has medicinal, culinary, and esoteric properties. It occurs as the male and female species Ruta chalepensis and Ruta graveolens, respectively. Rue is not used or recommended for ornamental purposes.

Taxonomic Classification

Its scientific name is Ophrys speculum, belonging to the Plantae kingdom, of the Magnoliophyta division of the Magnoliopsida class, belonging to the Sapindales order of the Rutaceae family of the Ruta genus.

History

This is a species native to Europe and Asia. It has been a plant well known since ancient times by healers to ward off evil entities, which is why it began to be used in homes and businesses. Some claim that this plant has abortive properties, so its use was restricted in many places. This shrub has been known since the time of Jesus Christ, as it appears in the Bible described by Luke under the name Peganon; today, this name denotes a distant genus of this plant. It is also mentioned by Charlemagne and in medieval manuscripts, where its medicinal properties are described.

Uses of rue

As mentioned, rue has properties not only medicinal but also culinary and even spiritual purposes. That's why it's classified as a powerful plant for its active ingredients, which are used to treat ailments, as a condiment, and for other purposes related to spiritual or magical activities.

Medicinal

Every day more benefits generated by rue are discovered, which is why it is classified as an effective and alternative medicinal plant for the relief or cure of certain conditions, due to its high content of vitamin C. Here we present some medicinal benefits and ways to consume it:

- Stomach It is consumed in the form of tea to relieve spasms, diarrhea, constipation and parasitosis. However, in the case of gastrointestinal diseases, its use is not recommended because its use is only for palliative purposes of discomfort and discomfort.
- Circulation This plant has the property of improving the function of the veins and arteries, which leads to the improvement of the heart condition, as it tones the arteries, considerably improving blood flow. It also improves the ailments of varicose veins. It helps in menstrual cycles, taking it three days before the period or for the treatment of amenorrhea.

- Stress

Rue has sedative properties that help significantly reduce stress and anxiety. To achieve this, it is recommended to consume 3 to 5 rue leaves infused in 1 liter of water; if the leaves are dry, use half the amount.

- External use

In the case of skin conditions, it is used as a poultice or simply diluted in water in compresses to relieve discomfort caused by psoriasis, eczema, and inflammation. Rue is used to treat vitiligo and leukoderma. It can also be used to relieve tired eyes, soothe earaches, and alleviate hemorrhoids. It is also effective in treating scabies, lice, and rheumatic pains.

- Hair

The use of rue offers considerable benefits thanks to its high antioxidant content. In hair treatments, it helps stop hair loss while accelerating growth. It is recommended to place six rue leaves in one liter of water, apply it to the scalp, leave it on, and then wash as usual. For more information on similar plants, you can consult the uses of medicinal plants.

- Slimming

It is an excellent diuretic, making this plant an ally in weight-loss treatments. It also eliminates adipose tissue or fat by stimulating its expulsion and the release of fatty acids. Prepare two rue leaves per cup of water without adding sugar or honey.

How to prepare rue

To make infusions of rue, it is recommended to boil it for a few minutes, let it rest for 15 minutes, it is not advisable to add sugar or honey, because the purer the concoction, the less risk of reducing its effects. It is recommended that before use consult a professional due to the side effects that it may generate. It should be noted that the use of this plant is contraindicated during pregnancy or lactation.

Culinary

It is used in food preparation because of its slightly spicy and bitter flavor. It can also be used in sauces with olives and capers. In countries like Ethiopia, it adds a special touch to coffee. This plant is even used in the preparation of alcoholic beverages. For more information on preparing food with plants, see here.

traditional uses

Rue can be used for esoteric or magical purposes. This plant is believed to attract positive qualities such as love, work, and a partner to those who possess it. It is also used to ward off envious people and even to exorcise evil spirits.

In some Latin countries such as Chile, Peru and Argentina they give it certain magical powers by placing it behind the door to ward off unwanted visitors or in business to attract prosperity. It is also attributed to the essence that emanates peace of mind. As for the esoteric use, it is used to make spoils, ebbo for purification that allows to achieve a spiritual improvement of the person.

Rue phototoxicity

Phototoxicity is a form of skin reaction caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays and handling of rue. It causes severe burns due to the furanocoumarin components, such as methoxypsoralen (bergapten) and methoxypsoralen (xanthoxin), and alkaloids from the quinoline group, such as dictamine. The reaction generated is irritating and similar to a burn, which is why it is recommended that it be used and consumed at night when there is no sun exposure.

How Rue should be cultivated

It is a plant that is easy to grow and care for, it has a long-lived and very resistant bushy character, for a good crop it is necessary that you follow these recommendations: Being an outdoor plant, it is capable of tolerating the cold, but not strong winds. Sunlight should not shine directly on the plant. Its watering should be moderate, remembering that it can withstand droughts. This plant is so resistant that it has the capacity to grow and develop in poor soils, but its evolution is undoubtedly better if the soil is fertilized and alkaline. Resists attacks by pests and common plant diseases.

Curious Rue Facts

Did you know that uncontrolled use of this plant can cause convulsions due to its high toxicity? Consumption by pregnant women can cause contractions, which can lead to miscarriage. It is said that receiving a rue plant as a gift is a very good omen.

To have it at home, it is recommended to place a female rue (with small leaves) to the right of the door and if it is male, it should be planted on the left side. When the plant dries up, it is said that it has absorbed bad energies.