The term “Ruth Plant” is a common misunderstanding, often referring to the Rue plant, botanically known as Ruta graveolens. This historically significant herb, originating from the Mediterranean, has been cultivated for centuries. It is recognized for its distinctive appearance and strong, aromatic scent, and possesses a rich history of traditional applications, from medicinal uses to culinary and symbolic roles. Understanding its potential safety considerations is important.
Understanding the Rue Plant
Ruta graveolens, commonly known as Rue, is a woody perennial subshrub that typically grows to a height and width of two to three feet (around 60 to 90 cm). Its foliage is a striking blue-green, with small, oblong, and bipinnately arranged leaflets that create a unique fern-like or feathery appearance. When bruised, these leaves release a strong, acrid aroma, which is reflected in its scientific name, graveolens, meaning “strongly smelling.”
The plant produces small, four to five-petaled, dull yellow flowers that bloom in cymes, often held above the foliage. These star-like flowers typically appear from June to September. After pollination, the flowers develop into brown seed capsules. While native to the Mediterranean region, including the Balkan peninsula, Rue has been cultivated globally and can be evergreen in warmer climates.
Traditional Uses and Applications
Rue has a long and varied history of traditional uses. In ancient Rome, it was a common culinary herb, often used in a spicy seasoning paste alongside garlic and cheese. Despite its bitter taste, which is due to compounds like rutin, it was used sparingly to balance flavors in dishes. While its culinary use has declined in modern cuisine, it still appears in some traditional Italian recipes and is used in Ethiopia to flavor coffee and as an ingredient in the spice mix berbere.
Beyond the kitchen, Rue held significant roles in folk medicine and cultural practices. The ancient Greeks used it to treat various ailments, including coughs, and believed it could act as an antidote to poisons. In the Middle Ages, Rue was considered a protective herb, believed to ward off witches and pestilence. This led to its use in rituals, such as priests dipping branches of Rue in holy water to bless parishioners, earning it the moniker “herb of grace.”
Historically, Rue was also associated with protection against venomous creatures, with some accounts suggesting it was used as an antidote to snake bites. Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci reportedly consumed Rue, believing it improved eyesight and creativity. Its symbolic meaning of regret and sorrow is referenced in literature, including Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Additionally, in Sephardic Jewish tradition, Rue is believed to offer protection against malevolent forces.
Growing and Caring for Rue
Cultivating Ruta graveolens is relatively straightforward, as it is a hardy and adaptable plant. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least six to seven hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth. Rue prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, including dry, rocky, and even poor soils. Overwatering should be avoided, as this can quickly lead to root rot.
Once established, Rue is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping. It is also deer-resistant, adding to its appeal in gardens prone to wildlife browsing. Propagation can be achieved through seeds or cuttings. When planting seeds, it is important not to bury them, as they require light for germination; simply lay them on the soil surface.
Important Safety Considerations
Despite its historical uses, Ruta graveolens carries significant safety considerations that warrant caution. The plant contains furanocoumarins, which are compounds responsible for its phototoxic properties. Contact with the foliage, especially when wet or bruised, followed by exposure to sunlight, can cause phytophotodermatitis. This reaction manifests as skin irritation, including redness, itching, blistering, and severe burns. Wearing gloves and long sleeves when handling Rue is advisable to prevent such reactions.
Internal consumption of Rue is also hazardous. The plant is toxic when ingested in large quantities and can cause various adverse reactions. Symptoms of internal toxicity may include gastric discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Historically, Rue was used as an emmenagogue and abortifacient, meaning it can induce menstruation or abortion. For this reason, pregnant individuals should strictly avoid any internal or extensive external contact with the plant. Individuals with liver issues or other medical conditions should also exercise extreme caution. Consulting a healthcare professional before considering any internal use of Rue is highly recommended.