It has numerous health benefits, but should be used with care as it has its side effects too This evergreen herb is commonly grown in gardens as an ornamental plant. It is native to the Balkans peninsula.
🌿ETYMOLOGY
The specific epithet graveolens refers to the strong-smelling leaves.
🌿THE PLANT
The plant is an erect herb that gradually forms a woody shrub as it grows. It grows up to 1 m. and has bluish-green, fern-like compound leaves that release a strong aroma when they are bruised. The flowers are small with 4 to 5 dull yellow petals in clusters. They bear brown seed capsules when pollinated.
🌿CULTIVATION
It has a great tolerance towards dry and hot climatic conditions and can be seen across the world in many countries. It doesn't require much watering, and can grow in full to partial sun.
🌿CULINARY USES
Rue is used as a traditional flavouring in Greece and other Mediterranean countries. Rue has a culinary use, but since it is bitter and gastric discomfort may be experienced by some individuals, it is used sparingly. Although used more extensively in former times, it is not a herb that is typically found in modern cuisine.
Locally it is used in green bean soup, it has a unique aroma acceptable to some only .
Due to small amounts of toxins it contains, it must be used in small amounts, and should be avoided by pregnant women or by persons who have liver issues.
🌿HEALTH BENEFITS
Ruta graveolens is a powerful Ayurvedic herb that packs numerous health benefits. But unfortunately, it is often underappreciated and is lesser known to the people.
🌿ANTIFUNGAL
One of the biggest health benefits of Ruta graveolens is its ability to treat fungal infections. The leaf extracts of this herb are helpful for fungal infections like athlete’s foot and dermatitis. It can also be applied to get instant relief from itching on the skin.
🌿ANTIBACTERIAL
Ruta graveolens is a potent antibacterial herb. It helps in the treatment of colon infection and urinary tract infection by killing the bacteria responsible for the infection. It can also prevent relief from food poisoning.
🌿FOR SKIN AND HAIR
Ruta graveolens helps clear the complexion of the skin and eliminates free radicals from the skin. This helps keep the skin young and healthy. It is also useful for getting rid of lice in the hair and relieves itching.
🌿RELIEVES MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
Ruta graveolens is very helpful for women suffering from severe menstrual cramps. Consuming this herb regularly helps in relieving severe menstrual cramps and also provides relief from body pain. However, pregnant women should avoid this herb as it may lead to uterine contractions and abortion.
🌿STRESS BUSTER
Ruta graveolens is an amazing herb to treat anxiety. The chemical compounds present in Ruta graveolens calm the nervous system and relaxes the body. Thus, it provides relief from depression, stress, and anxiety.
🌿OTHER USES
Rue is also grown as an ornamental plant, as low hedge. Most cats dislike the smell of it, and it can, therefore, be used as a deterrent to them. It is traditionally used in Central Asia as an insect repellent and room deodorizer
🌿TOXICITY
Rue is generally safe if consumed in small amounts as an herb to flavor food. Rue extracts are mutagenic and hepatotoxic. Large doses can cause violent gastric pain, vomiting, liver damage, and death. This is due to a variety of toxic compounds in the plant's sap. It is recommended to only use small amounts in food, and to not consume it excessively. It should be strictly avoided by pregnant women, as it can be an abortifacient and teratogen.
Exposure to common rue, or herbal preparations derived from it, can cause severe phytophotodermatitis, which results in burn-like blisters on the skin.
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