Ruta graveolens, commonly known as Rue, is a perennial evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region. It has a long history of use, ranging from ornamental gardening to traditional herbalism. The plant is recognized for its distinctive, strong aromatic properties, which are released when the blue-green foliage is bruised.
Identifying Reputable Retailers
Sourcing Rue requires identifying reliable suppliers, especially since the herb is not commonly stocked in standard grocery stores. For purchasing live plants, starts, or cuttings, local nurseries and specialty herb farms are often the best resource, as they can provide regional growing advice. Large garden centers may also carry Ruta graveolens, but buyers should always check the botanical label to confirm the species.
When seeking seeds for cultivation, reputable seed catalogs and specialized online seed suppliers offer a wide selection of non-GMO or heirloom varieties. These sources are more likely to provide high-quality seeds that have been properly stored for optimal germination. For dried leaf, stem, or powdered forms, which are often used in non-culinary applications, specialty online herb suppliers and established apothecaries offer the most reliable quality control.
The quality of dried herbs is important for safety and intended use, making the retailer’s reputation for purity and proper handling important. While online marketplaces offer diverse options, choosing a vendor who clearly labels the botanical name, Ruta graveolens, ensures authenticity. Homeopathic preparations are also widely available from specific homeopathic pharmacies, often in pellet form.
Available Forms and Products
Rue is commercially available in several distinct forms, each suited to a different application and possessing varying concentrations of its active compounds. Live plants and seeds are the primary forms for garden enthusiasts who wish to grow the plant for its ornamental value or for fresh use. The seeds are readily available online and through garden supply companies, allowing for cultivation in appropriate climates.
The dried herb, consisting of the leaves and stems, is sold by weight and typically used for infusions, incense, or traditional topical preparations. This dried form retains many of the plant’s characteristic volatile oils, giving it a pungent fragrance. Essential oil of Rue is also produced, which is the most concentrated form of the plant’s compounds, including furanocoumarins and methyl-nonyl-ketone.
Due to its high concentration, Rue essential oil is intended for external use only and requires caution in handling and dilution. Homeopathic remedies, conversely, are highly diluted preparations of Ruta graveolens used for specific wellness purposes, such as addressing muscle or joint discomfort.
Essential Handling and Safety Precautions
Handling Ruta graveolens requires careful attention due to its potent chemical constituents, particularly furanocoumarins, which are a class of photosensitizing compounds. Direct contact of the live plant’s sap or bruised foliage with skin, followed by exposure to sunlight, can lead to a severe inflammatory reaction called phytophotodermatitis. This reaction can result in painful redness, blistering, and burn-like injuries.
It is recommended to wear protective clothing, including long sleeves and gloves, when pruning or working with the live plant, even on overcast days. Internal consumption of Rue is strongly discouraged as the plant contains toxic compounds, especially in large amounts or in its concentrated oil form. Ingestion of the fresh plant or its oil is unsafe and can lead to serious side effects, including kidney damage, stomach pain, and vomiting.
Historically, Rue has been documented for its abortifacient properties, and pregnant women should avoid all forms of the herb. Due to toxicity concerns, regulatory bodies may restrict its use as a food flavoring or dietary supplement. Even dried forms of the herb should be treated with caution and handled by knowledgeable individuals.