Traditional Herbal Medicine Registration (THMR).

Culpeper: ‘Rue seeds help such as cannot hold their water.’

Other common names: Herb of Grace; Ave Grace; Bitter Herb; Countryman's Treacle; Herb Grace; Herb Impia; Herb of Repentance; Ruth; Serving Man's Joy.

It is used to give a pleasant aroma to grappa, the Italian drink made from the dregs of grapes, and was used, as a tea, to induce abortions (Dioscorides, Pliny, Celsus and others). The famous mithridate, the antidote to all poisons, named after King Mithridates, was a mixture of rue leaves, walnuts, figs and a pinch of salt (Jashemski).

It contains a chemical, rutin, that has vasopressor activity.

Rue is best known now for causing a severe photosensitivity reaction on skin contact with the leaves, to the extent or causing painful blistering and scarring.

All parts of the plant contain "bergapten, psoralen, (fura-nocoumarins), kokusa-genine, skimmianine, rutamine, dictamine (quinoline alkaloids). Highly to moderately hazardous (Class 1b - II). These are furanocoumarins and alkaloids, intercalate and alkylate DNA, strong skin irritant, blister formation, itching, internally: salivation, gastroenteritis, irritation of GI tract, narcotic, abortifacient, haematuria, visual distortions.