Rue
Ruta graveolens
A bitter biblical herb historically used for cramps and 'to bring on menses.'
Traditional use (european-folk, biblical-near-eastern): A bitter biblical herb historically used for cramps and 'to bring on menses.'
A bitter biblical herb historically used for cramps and 'to bring on menses.'
Active constituents are under study; evidence ranges from traditional use to preliminary human trials.
- A bitter biblical herb historically used for cramps and 'to bring on menses.'
Evidence strength: traditional use.
- See the evidence level above
- Can cause uterine contractions, severe photosensitivity/burns, and toxicity; widely considered unsafe to ingest.
- Pregnancy
- Self-dosing
- Sun exposure
Can cause uterine contractions, severe photosensitivity/burns, and toxicity; widely considered unsafe to ingest.
May interact with prescription medications — review with a clinician if you take any.
Use caution in pregnancy, breastfeeding, for children, and with chronic disease unless cleared by a clinician.
Choose reputable, tested suppliers; correct identification is essential for wild-harvested plants.
Known historically, but the toxicity and abortifacient risk make ingestion ill-advised.