Rue

(Ruta graveolens L., Rutaceae)

Also Called: Herb of Grace, Garden Rue.

Description: Sturdy, per­ennial plant with much branched rounded stems. Leaves alternate, 15cm (6 in) long, imparipinnate, each leaflet being again divided into 3; stout, with numerous translucent small oil-glands.
Flowers 12mm (0.5in) in diameter, arranged in umbels; petals 4 or 5, greenish-yellow, spoon-shaped.
Flowering: June-August.
Odour: aromatic.
Taste: acrid and slightly bitter.
It takes well to poor garden soil where it makes a compact and attractive plant.
The scent is somewhat unpleasant.

Part Used: The entire plant (or the leaves only), either fresh or dried.

Habitat and Collection: A native of the Mediterranean region but has been cultivated in Britain for many years either from seeds or cuttings.
Dried in the shade.

Constituents and Action: Volatile oil, a little tannin, alkaloids, derivatives of coumarin, the flavonoid glycoside rutoside.
Rue promotes the flow of blood to the abdominal organs, especially the womb, and may start delayed periods.
It is also a local irritant and is used as an appetiser, diuretic and antispasmodic; it strengthens the blood capillaries
The volatile oil is toxic in high doses.
Large doses are toxic producing vertigo and frenzy.

Usage: The tisane is used as a compress for inflammations of the eyes; fresh leaves may be applied to wounds.
The primary uses for this plant are decorative.
The seedheads are particularly attractive and make nice dried flowers.
Rue is also used as a companion plant for roses and raspberries because it helps to deter Japanese beetles.

CAUTION: Medicinal use should be approached with caution. Because of its toxicity, rue should be taken internally only with prudence and never during pregnancy.

Cultivation
Rue is raised from seeds sown in spring or cuttings taken in summer.
Select a sunny, well drained site. Space plants about 18 inches apart for an attractive small hedge.
The plant will benefit from a hard pruning in the spring to encourage new growth.
Rue is frost sensitive but will self-sow freely.