Ruta Graveolens

General Information

Native to southern Europe, ruta spread across the continent in the wake of the Romans, who valued it for its medicinal properties.

Ruta comes from the Greek reuo, meaning "to set free," an allusion to its historical popularity as a cure for numerous complaints, including headaches, coughs, and croup.

Through centuries of use, this small shrub, sometimes called rue or rue bitterwort, has spread to herb gardens worldwide.

In large doses, ruta has toxic properties, but homeopathic physicians prescribe minute doses to treat conditions or injuries that may be accompanied by symptoms of weakness or a bruised sensation.

The plant is collected just before blossoming, it is pounded to a pulp and pressed for its juice which is then diluted in a water-and- alcohol base.

Ruta Graveolens