10 Amazing Benefits Of Rue Herb For Skin, Hair, And Health
Let the magical properties of this herb nourish your body and make you glow from within.
Eva is a licensed dietitian nutritionist who is passionate about food, nutrition, wellness, and cooking. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from Universidad ISalud, a postgraduate diploma in Nutrition, Gastronomy, and Health from the Argentine Society of Clinical Nutrition, a culinary diploma, and a mid-level technical degree in Food Science.
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Ruta graveolans is a herb known for its antiviral, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also commonly known as rue. The benefits of the rue herb are numerous. It is also known as the herb of grace. This is native to the Balkans and is an essential garden plant. Its medicinal and therapeutic properties were highly valued, and it is also used as a condiment and an insect repellent.
This herb was mentioned in Old English Herbals, a book comprising detailed descriptions of many plants and herbs (written by Eleanour Sinclair Rohde). European folk medicine widely used this herb. However, its usage has decreased because of its potential toxicity. It also is not often preferred due to its bitter taste. The herb is beneficial to health nonetheless. Learn more about them here.
Know Your Ingredient: Rue HerbWhat Is It?
A herb native to the Balkan peninsula
What Are Its Benefits?
With medical and culinary uses, it has antifungal and antibacterial properties and helps with clear skin and treating lice.
Who Can Use It?
It can be used by anyone who is not allergic to it.
How Often?
It can be used daily or as needed.
Caution
It may cause photosensitivity, dizziness, rashes, spasms, and kidney and liver problems.
In This Article
Benefits Of Rue Herb
Ruta graveolens contain flavonoids which have anti-inflammatory properties (1). It also has antimicrobial, antiplasmodiali The effect of a medical substance that relieves pain in the smooth muscles of the stomach and intestine. , free radical scavenging, and antioxidant properties (2). Rue contains alkaloids which may exhibit anticancer benefits. It also has antibacterial and antifungal activity that may prevent fungal and bacterial infections (3), (4). It is an abortifacient, and is used to induce and increase menstrual flow, and cleanse the body.
Skin Benefits Of Rue
Rue oil is often used as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics. Due to its toxicity, rue is seldom applied to the skin directly. Yet, rue is known for some benefits for the skin:
1. Antifungal
Rue has antifungal and antibacterial properties that might protect the skin from eczema caused by Staphylococcus aureus, and other infections (3). Depending on the severity of the infection, rue can be used directly on the skin, especially when one is suffering from athletes’ foot. It also provides instant relief from itchy skin.
2. For Clearer Skin
Rue may also reduce the risk of additional skin diseases (5). This herb is also said to have free radical scavenging properties which suggests that it might protect the skin from UV damage (6). It may also be used as an anti-bleeder to heal wounds (7).
Did You Know?Hair Benefits Of Rue
3. For Lice Free Hair
Being an effective insecticide, rue essential oil and extracts are often used to get rid of a lice infestation (8). Regular use of this oil can repel those pesky little parasites from your hair and help you stay itch free!
4. Get A Spa Treatment
A number of spas use rue oil for hair treatment, to give you hair that shines with health. This is the perfect recipe for healing damaged hair.
Health Benefits Of Rue
5. Sedative
Rue is effective in calming hysterical and epileptic attacks due to its sedative properties (9). It helps in desensitizing and relaxing the nerves while inducing numbness because of its neurotoxin content.
6. Insecticide
Pests like mosquitoes, cockroaches and flies cause a number disease. These insects can be driven away with the use of Rue. It can also be used as vaporizers, fumigants, incense sticks and burners in-order to ward off insects.
7. Anti-Bacterial
Rue protects us from bacterial infections by killing bacteria with its antibacterial properties (3). It can be used in the preparation of tea to fight urinary tract, intestine, and colon infections. It also protects us from food poisoning and salmonellai A common bacterial disease that causes diarrhea and fever due to infection in the intestinal tract. .
8. Anti-Spasmodic
If you suffer from muscle pain, you can try rue. It is an excellent remedy for muscle pain, anxiety and menstrual cramps (5). It also can be used for sprains and bone injuries.
9. Anti-Inflammatory
Rue can reduce inflammation mainly caused by arthritis or gout (5). It contains vitamin C which helps reduce inflammation. Regular intake of 1-2 cups of rue herb tea helps in easing stiff muscles, and fever and provides joint pain relief. Rue herb is also known for its expectorant properties and can also help with upper respiratory tract infection and inflammation and clears up your nasal air passages (10). You may use it for steam or aromatherapy to get relief from common cold and flu.
10. Remedy For Poison
Rue is known as an intidote to poison. It is highly effective on neurotoxins (E.g.: Snake bite, insect bite which are neurotoxin) but it cannot show any effect of haemotoxinsi A type of toxin that can destroy red blood cells and cause blood clots while affecting other organs simultaneously. .
TriviaCulinary Uses Of Rue
Rue was once a staple in Roman cooking. It was incorporated into a spicy seasoning paste alongside garlic, cheese, coriander, and celery seeds.
Rue has been used to flavor beverages and vinegars for centuries. In Italy, it is a key ingredient in grappa alla ruta, an alcoholic beverage with a unique rue-infused flavor.
It can be added to eggs, cheese, and fish, or combined with damson plums and wine to create a flavorful meat sauce.
Even in modern times, rue continues to be used in certain culinary traditions. In Ethiopia, it is even added to coffee.
Side Effects Of Rue
Rue, in all its forms, is poisonous, and should never be ingested directly (4), (5). But if one is careful about the amount, it can safely be used to cure a myriad of ailments. It has minor side effects which include:
- Increased sensitivity to sun exposure
- Dizziness
- Rashes
- Spasms
- Mood changes
- Sleeplessness
- Stomach irritation
Karl, a vlogger, shared his love for rue. However, he experiences a reaction every time he touches it. He said, “When I mash it up, it has a funny sensation on the fingers; it makes the fingers kind of tingly, and so I do wash my hands pretty quickly afterwards (i).”
Rue is also associated with some serious side effects:
- It can cause severe damage to the liver and kidneys. People with kidney/liver problems must not use any medicine/food related to rue for culinary use. Rue herbs also possess diuretic properties which can lead to dehydration if taken in excess.
- If people with stomach and intestinal problems such as disturbed digestion, colitis, ulcers, constipation, and inflammatory bowel disease consume rue, it can worsen the problem.
- Pregnant women must avoid rue in all its forms as it can cause miscarriage. Rue can be used for abortion but it can have serious effects on a woman’s health and can even lead to death.
No wonder that rue’s use has nose-dived in recent years. But if one is careful, and follows the prescription of a doctor, rue can still be used to get relief from several health conditions.
Infographic: Top 5 Benefits Of Using Rue Herb
Rue is an ancient herb used for centuries to treat different medical ailments. It contains essential compounds that also improve certain skin conditions and hair health. To help you out, we have rounded up the top 5 benefits of using the rue herb you should know about. Check out the infographic below to know more! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Rue herb benefits are varied and plentiful. It is loaded with nutrients like antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that are beneficial to the body. It may help you sleep better, soothe muscle pain, and reduce inflammation. Rue has natural antibacterial and insecticidal properties. It is good for your hair and skin too. However, excess use can lead to side effects. Rue is poisonous and should not be consumed directly. Additionally, it can cause nausea, rashes, and spasms. If you experience any adverse effects, limit its use and visit your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is rue called the herb of grace?
Rue plant was believed to be effective in warding off evil spirits. Later on, it evolved into the Catholic practice of dipping rue branches in holy water and sprinkling on heads of parishioners as blessings giving it the name “Herb of grace”.
How do you make rue tea?
You can prepare rue tea by simply pouring enough boiling water over one gram of fresh plant or half a gram of dried plant.
How much rue is toxic?
Anything more than 0.5 to 1 g of the rue herb or 65 mg of the essential oil could be harmful.
Key Takeaways
- Rue oil is used in soaps and cosmetics for fragrance.
- The antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties may protect against skin infection, hair lice, and itching scalp.
- It may relieve muscle pain, menstrual cramps, and joint pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- It is an antidote to neurotoxins but excess consumption may be toxic.
- It is not good for pregnant women and people with liver and kidney abnormalities.
Illustration: Amazing Benefits Of Rue Herb For Skin Hair And Health
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Embark on a captivating journey into the ancient world of herbal folklore and unravel the mystique surrounding rue and its fascinating historical significance in traditional medicine practices. Check out the below video.
Personal Experience: Source
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Rue, The Ancient Herb I Use in Coffee – Karl’s Food Forest Garden: S01E092,https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHXqNbgx9OMReferences
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
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https://journals.innovareacademics.in/index.php/ajpcr/article/view/25920 - Ruta graveolens: Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Biotechnology
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https://biomedres.us/pdfs/BJSTR.MS.ID.006428.pdf - Silver Nanoparticle Production by Ruta graveolens and Testing Its Safety, Bioactivity, Immune Modulation, Anticancer, and Insecticidal Potentials
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bca/2020/5626382/ - In vitro SPF and Photostability Assays of Emulsion Containing Nanoparticles with Vegetable Extracts Rich in Flavonoids
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1208/s12249-018-1217-7 - Effect of Aquatic, Methanolic and Ethanoliclic Extracts of Ruta graveolens on Some Mycotoxigenic Fungi
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http://www.latamjpharm.org/trabajos/28/3/LAJOP_28_3_2_2_ZREX8V3E82.pdf - Ruta graveolens, rue
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/288207586_Ruta_graveolens_rue - Medicinal plants with potential anti-arthritic activity
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