- Today in some parts of Mexico, 'Curanderos' still cleanse and treat patients by brushing them with fresh Rue and pepper tree branches.
- Folklore references list Rue as one herb to ward of pests, and suggests Rue in water sprinkled in the house will kill fleas.
MEDICINAL USES: The earliest reference to Rue in a medicinal herbal is from Turner in 1562, listing Rue as one of the most widely grown simples for medicinal and homely uses. An extremely potent herb, Rue is used today only with caution and, it is strongly suggested, only under professional supervision. However, its uses are valuable enough to warrant attention.
- Rue's most common use is for eye strain, and resulting headaches. A mixture of the fresh juice and honey - a natural preservative - applied to the eyes at the rate of one drop, twice a day, is said to relieve overstrained eyes and sharpen vision.
The same honey and rue mixture can be added to hot water as a medicinal tea (or gargle) for colds, flu and stomach disorders. Rue's antispasmodic properties relieve nervous indigestion.
- Fresh leaves of Rue applied to the temples will relieve headaches.
- When eaten (one leaf or two only!) as in salad, fresh Rue can clear the eyesight.
Grieve says that "If a leaf or two be chewed, a refreshing aromatic flavor will pervade the mouth and any nervous headache, giddiness, hysterical spasm, or palpitation will be quickly relieved."
- The fresh juice or Rue oil can be used as drops placed in ear to relieve earache.
- A tea of dried Rue can bring on menstruation. ***Warning: See Cautionary Statement Above. Use only under professional supervision.
- Leaves may be bruised and applied, or macerated and applied in a poultice, to ease the pain of sciatica, gout and rheumatic pains, as well as treating sprains and strains. A compresses saturated in a potent decoction applied to the chest has been used beneficially for chronic bronchitis.
- Rue strengthens fragile blood vessels and varicose veins.
- The Chinese use Rue specifically for snake and insect bites
GARDENING WITH RUE: Rue is a hardy (semi)evergreen in most zones, and grows in almost any well drained soil, actually preferring poor soil to rich beds. It prefers to be partially sheltered and thrives in drier conditions, tolerating heat well. Rue can be grown from seed, but prefers propagation from cuttings planted in Spring. Rue's tendency toward a shrub form makes it a wonderful choice for a nice small ornamental hedge. Small greenish-yellow flowers grow in clusters atop 1.5-3' tall stalks, blossoming from June to September. The plant itself has a rather strong, unpleasant odor - just like medicine!
