Rue: 10 properties and benefits of this plant

The route or rue is one of the typical plants of the Mediterranean area. Its scientific name is ruta graveolens, and it is a plant that has been used since time immemorial for medicinal purposes. There is a record that in ancient Rome it was also used in cooking.

It is a plant that can easily grow in the garden, and thrives in temperate or slightly cold climates. Rue is a plant with many properties and benefits, so it is advisable to have it at home.

• It might interest you: "Aloe Vera: 8 properties and benefits of this plant”

Rue: 10 properties and benefits of this plant

Rue is a medicinal plant with many phytochemicals. However, it can become toxic in relatively low concentrations, so it is advised that young children and pregnant women do not consume it. Some people also have certain sensitivities.

As seen below, the properties and benefits of rue are many. This is because this plant contains many substances: flavonoids, tannins, salicylic acid, terpenes, alkaloids and many vitamins in a significant dose.

1. Improves menstruation pains

Rue is widely used to reduce discomfort during menstruation, being an emmenagogue plant. This means that its active ingredient promotes blood flow in the pelvis and uterus, helping to relieve pain before and during menstruation.

It is also used when there is amenorrhea, and helps reduce headaches and irritability. Rue has the ability to stimulate the muscles of the uterus, being able to accelerate the onset of menstruation. It is not recommended in pregnant women as a precaution to a possible abortion.

• Other users have read: “The 8 benefits of ginger for your health and well-being”

2. Fight digestive problems

A hot infusion with a small dose of rue helps to calm digestive problems. Rue stimulates biliary function, so consuming it after meals helps relieve constipation and digestive disorders.

Consumption should be moderate, because if you take too much it can cause dizziness and headaches. To enjoy the properties and benefits of rue without complications, you can take up to two infusions of this plant a day.

3. Calm anxiety

Rue is effective in calming anxiety. It is a plant that can help to lower the tone and relax those who suffer from stress. It is recommended to consume 3 or 5 grams of fresh rue infused in a liter of water. If it is dry rue, the amount of rue should be half.

Take half a cup of this infusion twice a day. If, in addition to anxiety, you suffer from a headache, rue can be combined with chamomile. Combined they have a very effective relaxing effect.

4. Promotes the proper functioning of the circulatory system

Rue takes care of the circulatory system. In this case, its consumption is recommended in pills or with an extract of the fluid that is sold commercially, which is also much more practical than infusing the plant.

Rue can help tone arteries and protect capillaries from varicose veins. It can also help treat edema, as its best-known properties include helping to normalize blood flow.

• We recommend you: "7 natural remedies to sleep soundly and instantly”

5. Calms pain and inflammation

Rue can be applied topically to relieve pain and localized inflammation. It is very common to be used in sprains, tendon or cartilage injuries, and pain in sciatica. Rue has anti-inflammatory properties, which also benefits by relieving pain.

A recurrent and excessive use of this plant can cause dermatitis. However, this plant is a good resource, and the same anti-inflammatory effect can also be achieved if it is consumed in the form of an infusion.

6. Has antispasmodic properties

Rue is a plant with antispasmodic properties. For this reason it is beneficial to relieve stomach cramps and diarrhea. Its consumption in infusion helps to stop stomach spasms, achieving much relief.

To use it as an antispasmodic, an infusion can be prepared, which can be taken up to three times a day. It can be sweetened with honey to soften the characteristic bitter taste of rue a bit.

7. Relieve tired eyesight

Rue in drops relieves eyestrain caused by straining your eyes. After spending a lot of time in front of the computer or straining your eyes for some activity, rue can be used to relieve heavy or red eyes.

It is recommended to combine rue with elderberry flowers, rose petals, fennel seeds and lavender leaves. It is best to let the mixture soak in the sun for three days. It is then strained and used in drops to relieve the discomfort of tired eyesight.

• It might interest you: "Peppermint: 7 properties and benefits of this traditional plant”

8. Reduce abscesses and boils

Rue is also used to reduce abscesses and boils. To use it in this way, a poultice of hot rue is made that is placed directly on the abscess or boil.

It should be left there for a while, so it is recommended to bandage it to keep it warm. This provides a potentiating effect to that of rue, managing to reduce the inflammation of the affected area.

9. Caring for hair

To care for the hair you can also use rue. This plant was formerly used to combat lice, although today there are more effective methods for this. Still, rue is still used for healthy and strong hair.

The properties of rue help to obtain different benefits: stop hair loss, accelerate growth and maintain it thanks to its antioxidants. To use it, add six handfuls of rue in a liter of boiling water. Then strain it, let it cool, and wash your hair. The shampoo and rinse can come later.

10. Arthritis pain

Rue oil can be used to relieve arthritis pain.. This oil is obtained through the distillation of the plant, mainly from the part of the fruit. It is sold commercially in herbal shops or pharmacies, and is used to relieve pain associated with inflammation.

Taking it as an infusion can also help, but using it as an oil directly on localized pain is much more efficient. It is also very practical and is also good for the skin.

• You may want to read: "Tea tree oil: what it is for and 11 properties”

Bibliographic references

• Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments. DK Pub.

• Eickhorst, K., DeLeo, V. and Csaposs, J. (2007). Rue the herb: Ruta graveolens-associated phytophototoxicity. Dermatitis, 18 (1), 52–55.

• Furniss, D. and Adams T. (2007). Herb of grace: an unusual cause of phytophotodermatitis mimicking burn injury. J Burn Care Res, 28 (5), 767-769.