Rue is well known among people as an herb used to ward off the evil eye. But what few people know is that this same rue has medicinal properties that can be useful in the process of treating and curing many diseases. In this sense, the most usual way is through the preparation of the infusion, in this case, the Arruda Tea.
A species named Ruta graveolens , Rue belongs to the Rutacae family and to the genus Ruta . Arruda has in its composition essential oil, flavonoids, methylnocylketone, furacoumarins, alkaloids, tannins and rutin, the latter being its most important substance. Rutin is responsible for providing resistance to blood vessels, which is its main attribute.
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Rue characteristics
The plant is usually branched from the base and has short stature. Its structure is also endowed with woody stem and fleshy leaves. Rue flowers are small with yellow color, while the fruit has a capsule shape. It is easily found in markets, open markets and stores specializing in the sale of natural products.
Rue health benefits
Arruda gained all this prominence in treatments related to human health precisely because of the presence of some therapeutic properties. These are related to astringent, analgesic, anti-asthmatic, anti-epileptic, anti-spasmodic, anthelmintic, anti-hemorrhagic, anti-hysterical, anti-inflammatory, anti-neuralgic, bactericidal, calming, carminative and healing actions.
Thus, rue is indicated to regulate menstrual flow, in addition to ending the intense pain caused by the contraction of the uterus during this period. This is possible thanks to the stimulation that substances present in the plant provoke in the muscle fibers of the uterus. For this reason, it is not indicated for the treatment of women who are pregnant or who are planning to become pregnant, because in these cases, it has an abortive effect.
Rue tea is also indicated to improve blood circulation, preventing the accumulation of fat in plaques on the inner walls of the vessels. The presence of vitamin P, or rutin, strengthens blood vessels, preventing their rupture. The drink is also indicated to treat problems related to the urinary system: it facilitates the filtering of blood through the kidneys and reduces swelling in the lower limbs.
See other properties of Rue
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, rue tea fights urinary infection, as well as the pain and discomfort caused by it. Urinary incontinence can also be remedied by treating with rue tea. By helping the digestive system as a whole, especially in the case of ulcers and infections, this tea is also responsible for helping the intestinal transit.
For patients who suffer from asthma , rue tea can also be included in their treatment. It helps to prevent crises from happening, precisely because it prevents the alveoli from contracting. Since the issue is the respiratory system, consuming the drink made from rue corrects inflammation in the airways as a whole. In the onset of rheumatic and neuralgic pains, rue also acts beneficially.
Rue tea also has a calming effect . As if that wasn’t enough, the drink protects the body against the action of bacterial infections, conjunctivitis , in addition to food poisoning and salmonella. When used externally, through baths, rue is an excellent solution to exterminate lice. From the crushed leaves, a powerful healing process is also obtained .
Rue tea recipe
To prepare the tea, just follow the directions:
Ingredients
- 200 ml of filtered water;
- 1 (dessert) spoon of rue leaves.
Preparation mode
Using a pot with a lid, bring the water to a boil. Once it reaches the boiling point, turn off the heat and add the rue leaves. Leave the container capped and rest for 10 minutes.
After this time, take a sieve and remove all the herb used to prepare the tea, soon after, the drink will be ready to drink. The indication is that the tea of rue is consumed in up to three daily doses.
Rue tea contraindications
Before using rue or any other herb, the doctor and pharmacist should be consulted. This is a precaution that must always be taken into account by the patient, as the body may respond unexpectedly to the treatment. By consulting a doctor and a pharmacist, this and other problems can be avoided. What’s more, these professionals can also prescribe the dosage and time of treatment needed for each patient.
Added to all these precautions, it is necessary to be very careful in the inclusion of rue in the treatment of any patient, since the plant is toxic, poisonous and has abortive substances. Therefore, it is not recommended for women who are intending to become pregnant, who are already expecting their child or those who are breastfeeding.
Disregard treatment with Rue for children under 14 years old. High doses of rue tea can cause dizziness, tremors, gastroenteritis, convulsions, uterine bleeding, salivation, tongue swelling, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, dry throat, epigastric pain, cramps, skin cooling, pulse depression, contraction of pupil and drowsiness.
As if all these complications weren’t enough, too much rue tea can cause phytodermatitis, a skin problem that makes it sensitive to sunlight. This is due to a phototoxic mechanism that is present in rue and reacts with the skin. It is worth considering that the continuous use of tea brings risks of liver and kidney problems, especially for those who already suffer from diseases linked to these organs.
Arruda to ward off the evil eye
Rue stands out in the realm of popular wisdom due to all the mysticism that surrounds it. She is able to chase away the evil eye. The plant is usually used by healers in prayers and in pots near the entrance doors of houses, to take care of the energy protection of the place. In the Middle Ages, it was widely used in religious rituals, seen as a protective herb against witchcraft.
Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci stated that it was thanks to the metaphysical powers of Rue that both had significant improvements in their creative work. For these and other reasons, it is still used today to scare away the evil eye of envious people.
My name is Ellie Lauderdale, MD and I am USA based professional Nutritionist .
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and board certified specialist in sports dietetics who is trained in integrative medicine. I have worked with hundreds of clients, from those suffering with chronic disease to professional and olympian athletes. My goal is to help optimize you from the inside so that you can feel, perform, and look your best on the outside.