Overview:

Rue is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. Be careful not to confuse rue with goat’s rue (Galega officinalis) and meadow rue (Thalictrum species).

Despite serious safety concerns, rue is used as a medicine for a long list of conditions. It is used for digestion problems including loss of appetite, upset stomach, and diarrhea. It is also used for heart and circulation problems including pounding heart (heart palpitations) and “hardening of the arteries” (arteriosclerosis). Some people use rue for breathing problems including pain and coughing due to swelling around the lungs (pleurisy).

Benefits:

• Menstrual disorders.
• Indigestion.
• Heart pounding.
• Nervousness.
• Fever.
• Diarrhea.
• Breathing problems.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Bell’s palsy.
• Arthritis.
• Sprains.
• Earaches.
• Toothaches.
• Warts.
• Headaches.

Side Effects:

Rue is considered safe when consumed in food amounts. It is UNSAFE when used as a medicine. When taken by mouth, it can cause side effects such as stomach irritation, changes in mood, sleep problems, dizziness, spasms, serious kidney and liver damage, and death. When applied to the skin, it can cause rash and increased sensitivity to the sun.