Rue (Ruta graveolens) herb cut and sifted - Bulk

All of our bulk herbs are organic when available, otherwise herbs are wildcrafted and responsibly sourced.

Available in either increments of 2 oz or save 20% when you purchase a pound.

SUGGESTED USE:

Make an infusion using 1 heaping teaspoon per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes, covered.  Strain. Dose: 1/2 cup of the infusion (tea) 2 times per day

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Not for use in pregnancy.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

Rue has a long history of use in both medicine and magic, and is considered a protective herb in both disciplines. The hardy evergreen shrub is mentioned by writers from Pliny to Shakespeare and beyond, as an herb of remembrance, of warding and of healing. Early physicians considered rue an excellent protection against plagues and pestilence, and used it to ward off poisons and fleas. A Modern Herbal refers to the plant's 'disagreeable odour and flavour', but in truth, the bitterness of the leaves is only evident in large doses. In smaller amounts, it imparts a pleasant, musky flavor to cream cheeses and light meats. Rue was once believed to improve the eyesight and creativity, and no less personages than Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci regularly ate the small, trefoil leaves to increase their own. The legend of rue lives on in playing cards, where the symbol for the suit of clubs is said to be modeled on a leaf of rue. There are concerns that rue is poisonous and can cause violent gastric reactions when taken in large doses. In addition, some people are highly sensitive to the plant's oils and can develop a severe rash when they are exposed to it and then the sun.

While rue has been used for centuries for both culinary and medicinal purposes, as well as in general use as a strewn herb to discourage pests, many modern herbalists suggest that it should not be taken internally. Despite this concern, small amounts of rue are often used in salads, egg dishes and cheeses in Mediterranean countries. It is one of the most well-known of the magical protective herbs and is often used in spells of warding and protection in modern magic.

Rue contains furanocoumarin compounds; avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight after ingestion.

Etymology

The common name rue and the genus name Ruta derive from the Greek reuo, "to set free," in reference to the use of the plant to make one free of disease. The species name, graveolens, is Latin for "heavy scented." Branches of rue have been used to sprinkle holy water before High Masses, hence the common name herb of grace.

Range of Appearance

The common name rue and the genus name Ruta derive from the Greek reuo, "to set free," in reference to the use of the plant to make one free of disease. The species name, graveolens, is Latin for "heavy scented." Branches of rue have been used to sprinkle holy water before High Masses, hence the common name herb of grace.

Culinary Uses

Rue is edible but should not be ingested in large amounts. It has a bitter, pungent flavor and has been used as a seasoning since ancient Roman times. It is an ingredient in grappa con ruta, vermouth, and other alcoholic beverages.

Constituents

Choline, iron, flavonoids (rutin, quercitin), pectin, essential oils (limonene, pinene, anisic acid, phenol, methylnonylketone, terpenes), hypericin, furanocoumarins (bergapten, psoralen, xanthotoxin), alkaloids (arborine, fagarine, graveoline), tannin

Plant details were provided by iPlant by Brigitte Mars.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.