Rue (mahambal in tagalog)

(Ruta graveolens) Part used: Herb, leaves. Properties: Antispasmodic, emmenagogue, rubefacient, stimulant. What it affects: Nerves, tendons, circulation, and uterus.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 5-15 min. Take 2 oz. 3 times daily between meals. Tincture: Take 5-20 drops 3 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 1/2 - 1 tsp. 3 times daily. Oil: Take 1-5 drops 3 times daily. Powder: Take 2-5 #0 capsules (10-30 grains) 3 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, rue is a valuable antispasmodic herb useful in treating hypertension, nervous complaints, neuralgia, trauma, and bowel cramps. As a warm infusion, it is an excellent help for stomach problems, gas pain, colic, spasms, dizziness, nervousness, and congestion in the female organs. It relieves gouty and rheumatic pains and treats nervous heart problems, such as palpitations in women going through menopause. It improves appetite and digestion. It is a good herb to add to cough medicines, especially when poor digestion and gas are also present. It is widely prescribed as a first-aid medicine for strained tendons and muscles. The Chinese use a tincture of rue for sedation and rheumatism. It is used by them to decrease swelling increase local circulation, and improve metabolism.

Externally, an infusion will help eliminate worms. A poultice placed on the forehead will relieve certain types of headaches. Used as a poultice, the fresh, bruised herb is an irritant which helps sciatica. It is used as a rubefacient increases the flow of blood to the surface and increases redness of the skin.) It is best to first rub a vegetable oil on the body part where the poultice will be placed.

 
Warning: Do not take too much rue at a time; small, frequent doses are best. If adverse symptoms develop from overuse, a small amount of goldenseal root will act as an antidote. Because it is an emmenagogic, it should not be used during pregnancy.