The ruta or rue is a plant typical of the Mediterranean area.. Its scientific name is ruta graveolens, and it is a plant that has been used since time immemorial for medicinal purposes. It is recorded that in ancient Rome it was also used in cooking.
It is a plant that can easily grow in the garden, and thrives in temperate to slightly cool climates. Rue is a plant with many properties and benefits, so it is advisable to have it at home.
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Rue: 10 properties and benefits of this plant
Rue is a medicinal plant with many phytochemical substances.. However, it can be toxic in relatively low concentrations, so it is advisable that young children and pregnant women do not consume it. Some people also present certain sensitivities.
As seen below, the properties and benefits of rue are many. This is because this plant contains many substances: flavonoids, tannins, salicylic acid, terpenes, alkaloids and many vitamins in a significant dose.
1. Improves menstrual cramps
Rue is widely used to reduce discomfort during menstruation, being an emmenagogue plant.It is an emmenagogue plant. This means that its active ingredient promotes blood flow in the pelvis and uterus, helping to relieve pain before and during menstruation.
It is also used when there is amenorrhea, and helps to reduce headaches and irritability. Rue has the ability to stimulate the muscles of the uterus, which may accelerate the onset of menstruation. It is not recommended for pregnant women as a precaution against possible miscarriage.
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2. Combats digestive problems
A hot infusion with a small dose of rue helps to soothe digestive problems.. Rue stimulates biliary function, so consuming it after meals helps relieve constipation and digestive disorders.
The consumption should be moderate, because if taken too much can cause dizziness and headaches. To enjoy the properties and benefits of rue without complications, you can take up to two infusions of this plant a day.
3. Calm anxiety
Rue is effective in calming anxiety.. It is a plant that can help lower the tone and relax those who suffer from stress. It is recommended to consume 3 to 5 grams of fresh rue infused in a liter of water. If it is dry rue, the amount of rue should be half.
Half a cup of this infusion is taken twice a day. If, in addition to anxiety, you suffer from headache, you can combine rue with chamomile. Combined they have a very effective relaxing effect.
4. Promotes the proper functioning of the circulatory system
The rue takes care of the circulatory system. In this case its consumption is recommended in pills or with fluid extract sold commercially, which is also much more practical than infusing the plant.
Rue can help to tone the arteries and protect the capillaries from varicose veins. It can also help treat edema, since among its best-known properties is that it helps normalize blood flow.
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5. Soothes pain and inflammation
Rue can be applied topically to relieve pain and localized inflammation.. It is commonly used for sprains, tendon or cartilage injuries, and sciatica pain. Rue has anti-inflammatory properties, which also benefits by mitigating pain.
A recurrent and excessive use of this plant can cause dermatitis. However, this plant is a good resource, and the same anti-inflammatory effect can also be achieved if consumed as an infusion.
6. It has antispasmodic properties
Rue is a plant with antispasmodic properties.. For this reason it is beneficial for relieving stomach cramps and diarrhea. Its consumption in infusion helps to stop the spasms of the stomach achieving much relief.
To use it as an antispasmodic can be prepared as an infusion, which can be taken up to three times a day. It can be sweetened with honey to soften the bitter taste characteristic of rue.
7. Relieve eyestrain
The rue in drops relieves eyestrain caused by straining your eyes.. After spending a long time in front of the computer or straining your eyes due to some activity, you can use rue to relieve heaviness or red eyes.
It is recommended to combine rue with elder flowers, rose petals, fennel seeds, and fennel leaves. It is best to soak the mixture in the sun for three days. It is then strained and used in drops to relieve the discomfort of eyestrain.
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8. Decrease abscesses and boils
Rue is also used to reduce abscesses and boils.. To use it in this way, a hot rue poultice is made and put directly on the abscess or boil.
It should be left there for a while, so it is recommended to bandage it to keep the heat. This provides a potentiating effect to that of the rue, managing to reduce the inflammation of the affected area.
9. Hair care
You can also use rue to take care of your hair.. This plant was formerly used to combat lice, although today there are more effective methods for this purpose. Even so, rue is still used for healthy and strong hair.
The properties of rue help to obtain different benefits: stop hair loss, accelerate hair growth and maintain it thanks to its antioxidants. To use it you have to add six handfuls of rue in a liter of boiling water. Then strain it, let it cool, and wash your hair. Shampooing and rinsing can follow.
10. Arthritis pain
To relieve pain caused by arthritis you can use rue oil.. This oil is obtained through distillation of the plant, mainly from the fruit part. It is sold commercially in herbalist shops or pharmacies, and is used to relieve pain associated with inflammation.
Taking it as an infusion can also help, but using it as an oil directly on localized pain is much more efficient. It is also very practical and is also good for the skin.
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