Genus: Ruta
Common name: Ruta graveolens. Common Rue. Bitterwort. Herb of Grace.
Family: Rutaceae (Citrus)
Ruta graveolens is an aromatic evergreen shrub often grown in herb gardens. Its small yellow flowers grow in clusters atop woody stems. The Rue flower represents regret, sorrow, and repentance, and the old expression “Rue the day” is used to express bitter regret about an event. This bitter herb has been used medicinally for centuries, including as an eyewash to restore eyesight after overuse. When the bluish green leaves are crushed, they release an oil that has an orange like fragrance. The word graveolens means strong-smelling. Rue leaves were an ingredient used in mead, and the leaves are still used in an after dinner Italian alcoholic beverage called grappa. The plant is toxic when ingested in large amounts, and care must be taken when handling the plant since it can cause burning, itching, and blistering of the skin.
As a homeopathic remedy, Ruta is similar to Rhus tox in its use for stiff and sore muscles and tendons, but there are important differences. Ruta has an affinity for the flexor tendons of the joints, ankles, wrists, and the periosteum, the membrane that covers the outer surface of bones. Periostitis, tendonitis, bursitis, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other repetitive strain injuries can often be relieved by this remedy. Ruta is an important remedy for eyestrain because it can strengthen eye muscles that have weakened due to straining the eyes doing fine work or excessive reading. There is stiffness, lameness, weakness, and sore bruised joint pain that is worse for walking, for pressure, and in cold, damp weather. Ruta is a remedy to consider for anxiety and panic attacks with a fear of death, when the person has a fever or is over-heated.
Keynotes:
- Number one remedy for injuries to tendons and bone surface
- Bruised or sore pains with stiffness
- Eyestrain from overstraining the eyes
- Strains and sprains with bruising, weakness, and lameness
- Pain worse for walking, for pressure, for standing, for exercise
- Arthritis pain worse cold damp weather
- Bursitis, tendonitis with an accumulation of fluid between body tissues
- Ganglion cysts
- Tennis elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive stress injuries
- Back pain and sciatica better for lying on back
- Panic disorder, especially during a fever or when over-heated
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