Indoor Herb Garden Kits and Herbal Remedies

Ruta graveolens (Rutaceae)

Appearance
Rue is a delicate bushy plant 45 to 90 cms (18″-3 ft) in height with blue-green fernlike foliage and pale greenish yellow oval flowers during the summer season. The whole plant emits a moderately unpleasant aroma and has a similarly harsh flavor caused by the volatile oil contained in the glands which are distributed beyond the the whole plant.

History
This well-known denizen of the herb border, highly regarded in old country medicine throughout Europe, is native to the drier soils of the Mediterranean regions. The Romans are credited with introducing it to The british isles first, although it was probably reintroduced in the Middle Ages. It went along to the New World with the European settlers, and was introduced in several southern states on poor soils. Herb of Grace, was one of its ancient names. ‘The many good properties whereunto Rue serveth hath I do believe in previous times caused the English name of Herbe of Grace to be given unto it’.

Holy water was sprinkled as a preliminary to the celebration associated with High Mass within the medieval Church from switches made of trimmed rue sticks. Its good reputation for the virtue of repelling contamination as well as toxin made it customary for sprigs of rue to be positioned close to the judge prior to prisoners being delivered from the pestilence-ridden prison cells.

Usage
Precisely why it was held in such excessive esteem is difficult to assess; these days its bitter taste – is dispersed through pulverizing as well as dicing and hould be added, with discretion, to egg, fish or perhaps cream cheese dishes. In European wine growing locations rue leaves are mixed with brandy to produce a liqueur. The somewhat plain little shrubs were also thought to form a great and formidable defence to protect against witches and also to give a sixth sense. Renaissance painters in Europe are reputed to have consumed significant amounts of rue teas to restore failing eyesight.

Medicinally rue is actually toxic in high dosages and should be used with great caution, particularly while pregnant, as it has an historical reputation for starting delayed periods. It is also used to treat bites and stings externally and as a cold compress applied to the forehead, it’s reputed to alleviate stress headaches.

Propogation
Raised from seed sown in early spring and thinned out to around 50 cms (1.5 ft) apart, rue can make a good herb garden hedge and its evergreen nature results in this use. Cuttings taken in summer will certainly take rather easily. Rue loves a nicely drained garden soil and enjoys a sunny sheltered location. It benefits by getting cut back in early spring in order to encourage fresh regrowth.

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