Common Name: |
Herbygrass |
Other Names: |
Garden Rue, German Rue, Herb of Grace, Rue |
Botanical Name: |
Ruta graveolens |
Genus: |
Ruta |
Family: |
Rutaceae |
Location: |
SE Europe |
Cultivation: |
Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in sun. Cut back hard (but not into main stem) in spring. May suffer from root rot in damp conditions. |
Propagation: |
By seed (except Jackman's Blue) sown in spring; by semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Variegata is unusual among variegated cultivars in coming true from seed. |
Harvest: |
Leaves are picked in spring and summer, and dried for infusion, liquid extracts, and powders. |
Height: |
60cm (24in) |
Width: |
30-45cm (12-18in) |
Variations: |
Jackman's Blue Has blue-gray leaves. |
Variegata Has irregular creamy-white variegations. |
|
Hardiness: |
Z4-8 |
Parts Used: |
Leaves, Entire Plant |
Chemical Constituents: |
Esters
Methyl-N-nonyl-Ketone
Phenols
Rutin
Tannins
Volatile Oils
|
Properties: |
A bitter, pungent, warming herb that stimulates the uterus, relaxes spasms, improves digestion, increases perspiration, and strengthens capillaries. |
Known Effects: |
Stimulates uterine contractions
Prolongs action of epinephrine
Relieves spasm in skeletal or smooth muscle
Decreases capillary fragility
Interferes with absorption of iron and other minerals when taken internally
|
Possible Additional Effects: |
May cause onset of menstruation
May treat hysteria
May treat intestinal parasites (worms)
May treat colic
May control postpartum bleeding
|
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for menstrual problems, colic, epilepsy, palsy, and rheumatic pain. Externally for sore eyes, earache, skin diseases, neuralgia, and rheumatism. Used in homeopathy for sprains, bruising over bones, tennis elbow, backache, weak eyesight, and eye strain. |
Culinary Uses: |
The pungent, bitter leaves can be used to flavor vinegar. Seeds are used to flavor palm wine (N Africa), and are ground as an ingredient of Ethiopian spice mixtures. |
Economic Uses: |
Leaves are used to flavor Italian grape spirit (grappa), and were an ingredient of sack (mead). |
Warnings and Precautions: |
Serious skin irritant in sunlight, causing severe blistering. Excess affects central nervous system and may prove fatal. Contraindicated during pregnancy.
Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan pregnancy in the near future
Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, reflux esophagitis, ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, or diverticulitis
Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks (There may be safer, more effective treatments.)
Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxative, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs
Pregnancy:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.
Breastfeeding:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.
Infants and Children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.
Others:
None are expected if you are beyond childhood, under 45, not pregnant, basically healthy, take it only for a short time and do not exceed manufacturer's recommended dose.
Storage:
Store in cool, dry area away from direct light, but don't freeze.
Store safely out of reach of children.
Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change the action of the herb.
Safe Dosage:
Consult your doctor for the appropriate dose for your condition.
|
Toxicity: |
Rated relatively safe when taken in appropriate quantities for short periods of time. |
Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms: |
Signs and Symptoms |
What to Do |
|
Abdominal pain |
Discontinue. Call doctor when convenient. |
Abortion |
Seek emergency treatment |
Confusion |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
Diarrhea |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately |
Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately |
Nausea or Vomiting |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately |
Skin Rashes |
Discontinue. Call doctor when convenient |
|
Bibliography: |
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg.352 Vitamins, Herbs, Minerals & Supplements The Complete Guide by H. Winter Griffith, MD Copyright©1998 Fisher Books pp. 433-434 |