Rue was the go-to remedy for conditions involving “stagnation”—where the body or the nerves felt stuck or cramped.
Easing Spasms: Rue was traditionally used to calm “nervous” tension in the stomach or muscles. It acts as an antispasmodic, much like the way a Ginger Compress relaxes a tight chest.
Sharpening the Vision: Long ago, it was believed that rue could “clear the sight.” Today, we know this refers to its ability to strengthen the tiny capillaries in the eyes, supporting the work we discussed with the Plantain leaf.
The “Bitter Flush”: Just as Lemon Water wakes up the liver, the intense bitterness of Rue stimulates the gallbladder to release bile, aiding in the digestion of fats (like your nightly Olive Oil).
Warding Off “Heaviness”: Beyond the physical, Rue was used to clear the atmosphere of a home, much like your Salted Orange Peels. It was thought to “brighten” the spirit during the dark winter months.
Traditional Uses of Rue
Because Rue is so powerful, our grandparents never used it in large amounts. It was always administered with a “less is more” philosophy.
1. The Ear Oil (For Seasonal Discomfort)
One of the most common old-world uses for Rue was for earaches. A few leaves were warmed in a small amount of Olive Oil, strained carefully, and then a single drop of the cooled oil was placed in the ear to “draw out” the pain.
2. The Digestive Tincture
A single leaf of Rue was sometimes added to a glass of water or a bit of honey to settle a rebellious stomach after a heavy meal.
3. The Cooling Compress
Fresh Rue leaves, crushed and applied as a poultice (similar to the Cabbage or Potato methods), were used to soothe the “fire” of a headache when applied to the temples.
A Respectful Note of Caution
Our grandparents knew that Rue is extremely potent.
Touch: Some people find that touching the fresh leaves in bright sunlight can cause a skin reaction.
Quantity: It should never be used in large doses or by those who are pregnant. It is an herb of “precision”—a little goes a long way.
Adding Rue to Your Heritage Toolkit
Rue fits into the “cleansing” and “moving” part of your routine:
The Liver: It supports the Lemon and Olive Oil in keeping the gallbladder active.
The Senses: It works with Plantain to support the eyes and nerves.
The Home: It joins Orange Peels and Clove in purifying the home’s energy.
It is a beautiful, old-world plant that reminds us to listen closely to nature’s potency.
