Rue

History:

Rue is a hardy, somewhat shrubby (sub-shrub), evergreen perennial that may grow to three feet in height in full sun (but will tolerate light shade) in well-drained, alkaline soil. The soil may be poor and suitable only for the hardiest plants. Rue bears erect, branching stems and aromatic blue-green leaves, yellow flowers with green centers that emit a powerful, disagreeable odor, and an exceedingly bitter, acrid and nauseous taste. The plant is native to the Mediterannean regions of southern Europe, western Asia and northern Africa and has been naturalized throughout Europe and North America, where it is cultivated in gardens (it is one of the oldest garden plants grown for therapeutic purposes). Rue has also escaped from gardens and may be found growing wild in pastures, roadsides, waste place and abandoned lots. The botanical genus, Ruta, is derived from the Greek word, reuo, which means "to set free," because this herb is so effective in treating various diseases. Hippocrates noted that Rue was the main component in "mithridate," a Greek all-purpose poison antidote, and the Greeks also regarded it as a powerful anti-magical herb, because it helped with the nervous indigestion attributed to witchcraft. The Romans introduced Rue throughout Europe, as the plant had already been recognized as a health support for more than eighty therapies by the time of the early Roman Empire. The first-century Roman scholar, Pliny, reported that Rue supported eyesight health and noted that painters and engravers ate it to sharpen their vision. Supposedly, Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo both claimed that Rue's metaphysical powers helped their eyes and creative inner vision. In the Middle Ages, Rue was considered a powerful defense against witches and would bestow a "second sight" or psychic powers in those who used it. Rue was considered an important "strewing herb" and anti-plague plant; and sixteenth- and seventeenth-century "Herbals" advocated its use against pestilence and as a poison antidote, from toadstools to serpent bites. The plant was carried in nosegays to repel the lice of beggars, and was even used well into the eighteenth century in law courts to counteract "prisoners' vermin and germs" (jail fever). In 1625, the Neapolitan physician, Piperno, commended Rue as a specific for seizures and vertigo; and in 1653, the great English herbalist, physician and botanist, Nicholas Culpeper, prescribed it for healthy bodily joints. European settlers introduced Rue to North America, where it became popular in folk herbal preparations, and doctors and apothecaries specified it for many therapeutic and practical uses. The strong, musky odor has been used to repel noxious insects and fleas, and because it is so pungent and bitter, very small amounts are used for culinary purposes and are added to cream cheese, egg and fish dishes, and meat sauces to provide an interesting musky flavor. Italians ate it in their salads for healthy eyesight, and the leaves were used to flavor Italian grape liqueur (grappa). It is a bitter, pungent, warming herb, and the entire plant is used in herbal preparations. Some of the constituents included in Rue are essential oil (containing caprinic, plagonic, caprylic, and oenanthylic acids) and flavonoids (most notably rutin).

Recommended Dosage:
Take one (1) to two (2) capsules, three (3) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Great care should be taken with the use of Rue Herbal Supplement, and it is advisable to consult a health care provider when using this herb for specific conditions. Pregnant women should never use this herb, as it is a uterine stimulant and may cause abortion and also have a toxic effect as well. Nursing women should not use this herb. Rue should never be used in large doses, as it may cause fatal poisoning, nor should it be used for long periods of time. Use of Rue may cause photosensitivity, and when used topically, it may also cause skin irritation (some people have experienced dermatitis and blistering when touching the leaves).

Capsule Information:
Our Rue supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.

Special Note:
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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.