Rue is an ancient herb that was utilized by Hippocrates, the Mayans and the Aztecs.

The leaves were added to wine because it would prevent the wine from getting sour (like wine vinegar), and this would also prevent one from getting intoxicated so they would remain in charge of their own body.

Just a few warnings in advance:

Do not use this herb when you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use when you have kidney issues, keep away from children under 12 and do not use this herb at night because it has a stimulating effect.

When you make tinctures out of this herb, do not use it in a pure form! This herb can also influence the working of medications and supplements. When you apply this herb as an oil or tincture, you can get a rash with sun exposure so that too is not recommended. Because of the reasons above, it is strongly recommended to consult with a medical professional prior to experimenting with this herb. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.

Healing properties

Rue stimulates blood flow as it is has blood thinning properties, it also can reduce coagulation so again, people who are on blood thinners, or people who experience coagulation issues, should steer clear of this herb.

Due to the blood thinning effects, rue stimulates the tiny vessels in your eyes for example which results in improved eyesight.

It also has calming properties, it is considered an herb for courage and it said to aid with burnout, stress, panic attacks, and palpitations. One should exercise caution with this herb as to not ingest too much of it, as it can cause hallucinations.

Rue has muscle strengthening properties and it is said to aid in strengthening of the bladder muscles to reduce incontinence.

The bloodthinning properties of this herb also make it valuable to aid in wound healing and to reduce infection and inflammation. It is helpful for people who have varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and calcifications in the veins. One may also benefit from this herb with skin ailments.

Hippocrates mentions in his writings that he utilized this herb for snake bites, and it is also a good herb to fight poison from scorpions and jellyfish.

Rue can be used to aid with fungal infections by rubbing the leaves directly on the skin, especially fungal infections on feet.

Rue is believed to help with epilepsy and it has numbing effects.

Other historical beliefs

In the early days, one used Rue as a contraceptive, though if it worked, that is not known.
one can create an extract from this herb mixed wifh water and alcohol and then use it to eliminate mosquitos, roaches and flies. You can steep a tea and add it to your scalp to fight headlice.

Recipes and other ideas

You can make tea with Rue, limit to 3 cups a day max. You can also use this tea and add it to your bath.

One can add a tiny bit of this herb to dishes.

You can make a tincture by adding dried rue to a jelly jar, then too it off with vodka so that it covers the rue. Only use the green section, not the woody parts. Use 50% strength or higher for this tincture.


Rue oil infusion

Easiest in a small crockpot, where you can gradually heat the oil in a waterbath.

This recipe makes one jelly jar. You will need two jelly jars though, and a cheesecloth or coffee filter for straining. Utilize clean rue leaves, flowers and all parts above the ground. You only need to fill 1/3 of the jar with the plant materials. I would use them dried as the excess moisture may impact the quality and stability of your oil.

Let the oil and herb mixture simmer for 4 hours on low. Remove jar, then strain through coffee filter or cheesecloth into a clean jar.

Cough syrup with Rue


Get hand sized twigs of these 7 herbs:

Rosemary
Rue
Peppermint
Lemonbalm
Lavender
Anise
Fennel
1 cup sugar
1 qt grain alcohol
put all this in a large clean bottle and let steep for 2 weeks.
when you get ready to use some, you can pour some in a little cup and add some local raw honey to it.