Magical and Medicinal Uses of Rue

Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Powers: Creativity, Exorcism, Healing, Health, Mental Abilities
Magical Uses and History: Known as the Queen of Herbs, rue is native to the Mediterranean where it has been used in rituals and spells since antiquity. In Ancient Rome, it was believed rue could protect the eater from the Evil Eye and guarded against poisons, illness, and fleas. Because cats find the smell of rue repulsive, it was believed rue could ward off witches and their familiars as well, although some reports say rue was used by witches to help them identify each other. Either way, rue was commonly added to bathwater to break curses and hexes and was hung above the front entrance or carried in sachets for protection against everything from bad luck to witches to snakes to werewolves. It was believed to be the "protect-all" of herbs. Later it was mixed into incense to be used during exorcisms and used by the Catholic Church to sprinkle holy water on its followers to ward off evil, thus becoming known as the "herb of grace." It can still be hung in the home, sprinkled around you during magical workings, or worn for protection.

Because of its generally perceived protective nature, rue was also used in a number of healing rituals. The genus name Ruta comes from the Greek word reuo, which means to set free, a nod to its ability to set one free from disease. True to form, rue has many healing abilities. Early physicians considered rue to be a deterrent against the plague and other diseases and was prescribe to be worn around the neck. Rue was also commonly placed on the forehead to cure headaches. Rue can be added to incense, spells, and poppets during healing rituals to increase the potency of the magic.

Apart from protection and health, rue was also believed to improve eyesight and creativity. Breathing in the aromatic scent is said to clear the head and improve mental processes. Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci regularly consumed small amounts of rue to increase their creativity and clear their minds. This link to creativity and protection is said to live on in playing cards in the form of the suit of clubs.

Rue can be used in a number of spells including:
    Protection Spells
    Creativity Spells
    Psychic Development
    Healing Rituals

Medicinal Uses: Rue is most commonly used to regulate the menstrual cycle, bringing on suppressed menses. Oil of Rue is also a powerful abortive, and therefore should be avoided if pregnant or wishing to become pregnant. Due to its antispasmodic properties, it can be used to relax the muscles, spasmodic coughs, and lower blood pressure. When chewed, it can relieve tension headaches, palpitations, and anxiety. Furthermore, rue contains high levels of flavonoids, particularly rutin, which strengthens blood vessels and therefore can improve eyesight. As an anthelmintic, it can treat parasitic worms. It should be noted that rue also contains furanocoumarins which can make the skin sensitive to light, whether it be after ingesting the herb or touching the juices of the plant.

Preparation and Dosage: Rue is taken internally as an infusion, tincture, oil, or capsule. To create an infusion, pour one cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs and allow to infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drink up to three times a day. If taking a tincture, take 1-4 milliliters up to three times a day. Rue should not be used in pregnant or if you wish to become pregnant. In high doses, rue can cause vomiting, severe abdominal pain, severe kidney and liver damage, and even death. However, this is usually in doses of more than 120 milligrams or more (1/2 cup of oil). As with all herbs, consult a medical professional before using.

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