Calm balm for the eyes
Rue (Ruta graveolens, Herb of Grace or Herbygrass) is an evergreen shrub member of the Rutaceae family, growing to about 60cm in well-drained, barren soil. The plant, a native to southern Europe, displays blue/green, lobed shaped leaves (which are believed to be the origin of the suit of clubs in playing cards) that are covered in pungent oil glands, which give the whole plant its characteristic smell.
The four, sparsely arranged undulate petals of the summer flowers are yellow/green in colour and produce a sickle-shaped seed. The plant’s generic name is believed to be derived from the Greek hrute, to set free. It featured in ancient ceremonies and was later adopted into the early Christian church, when brushes made from rue would be used to sprinkle holy water on the congregation. In medieval times Catholic priests would arm themselves with bunches of rue when conducting a service of exorcism; this gave rise to its synonym, Herb of Grace, which was called Herbygrass by the peasantry.
The ancient physicians valued it most highly, Dioscorides writes ‘…the seed drunk in wine is a counter poison of serpents, the stinging of scorpions, bees, hornets and wasps; and if a man be anointed with the juice, these will not harm him.’ It was further believed that weasels ate rue leaves before fighting snakes.
There is one mention of rue in the Bible: “But woe unto you Pharisees! for ye tithe Mint and Rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and love of God” (Luke XI, v. 42).
The herb contains coumarins, lignans, rutin, alkaloids and a volatile oil, making it antispasmodic, anti-tussive, anti-hysteric, anti-epileptic, emmenagogic, abortifacient, ophthalmic and carminative. Rue was used to procure abortions, and therefore, should never be taken when pregnant. It is recommended by herbalists to restore the menstrual cycle after months of absence usually arising from illness or famine. It is still used as an eye-douche for over-tired eyes – Michelangelo left a reference to the efficacy of rue as a salve for tired eyes when painting the Cistine Chapel. It can be applied topically to treat bruised bones and damaged cartilage; in southern Italy rue tea is a folk cure for wrist ganglion and the tea is also a traditional treatment for multiple sclerosis. In the past it has been recommended for suppressing high blood pressure, treating epilepsy and curing colic in babies. It was taken by the elderly to strengthen damaged and weakened capillaries, and the leaves were chewed to relieve headaches.
The dried stems and leaves have been used for centuries as an insect repellent, while Victorian gardeners would steep rue in water-butts for weeks then spray it over their flowerbeds and vegetables, it is reputed to repel mosquitoes and midges.
Essence from the herb is used to flavour grappa and other alcoholic drinks as well as being added to some Italian and German meat products.
It can be a valuable mid-bed plant but be careful how you handle it as it may cause skin irritation in some hypersensitive individuals.
Next week rhubarb
