Common Rue – Ruta graveolens – Uses, Research

Ruta graveolens is commonly known as a common rue and is widely used in the Homeopathic medicine system. It is used for treating eye strain, headache, etc.

Botanical name: Ruta graveolens.
Family- Rutaceae (Jambira kula)

Vernacular names

Names in different languages:
Hindi name- Sitaba
English name- Garden rue, Common rue
Telugu name- Sadapaku
Tamil name- Aruvadana

Sanskrit Synonyms

Sudava

Chemical composition

Ruta graveolens chemical composition:
Rutin, Kokusaginine, Skimmianine, Catechol complex, Ribalinium, Rutalinium gravacridonediol and gravacridonetriol, graveline, daphnoretin, Rutacridone, etc

Medicinal properties

Common rue medicinal Properties:
Rasa (taste) – Tikta – bitter
Guna (qualities) – Laghu – light to digest, Teekshna – strong, piercing
Vipaka- Katu – Undergoes pungent taste conversion after digestion
Veerya – Ushna – Hot potency

Effect on Tridosha: Balances Vata and Pitta Dosha.

Part used, dosage

Part used- Whole Plant, leaf
Dosage- Fresh juice 5-10 ml, powder 1-3 g, Infusion 10-20 ml

Sanskrit verse

Uses

Ruta graveolens uses:
Prabhuta Agnikari – Improves digestion strength
Akshepa – useful for treating convulsions
Rajasravaka – induces periods, useful in amenorrhoea
Garbhapatakari – can cause abortion.
Indicated in –
Shoola – abdominal colic pain
Krumi – worm infestation

It acts as an insect repellent.
In Homeopathy, it is used in treating eye strain, headache, arthritis, sciatica and backache.

Research

Effectiveness in cancer
R. graveolens extract contains bio active compounds which, independently of known photoactivatable mechanisms, potently inhibit cancer cell proliferation and survival through multiple targets.

Side effects

Rue extracts in higher doses can cause stomach irritation, vomiting and even death.
It is best to avoid children, pregnant and lactating mothers.

Interaction with medicines, supplements

Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.

Can this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets, Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.

With western medicines
Seek your doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.

Sthanika karma (Systemic Acton)

Externally
Analgesic and Anti microbial, stimulant, Leaf paste is indicated in Vatavyadhi, (Pakshaghata etc) In Ear pain and infection its juice is used as ear drops. Also indicated in Animal poisoning.

Internally
Nervous system – Indicated in Tremor, Epilepsy etc. conditions, especially for ladies and kids. Overdose can cause intoxication.
Digestive system – Facilitate normal movement of vata dosha, Carminative and Anti helminthic. Indicated in abdominal distension, indigestion, Abdominal cramp, Helminthiasis etc.
Respiratory system – PAcifies kapha dosha. Juice is indicated in rhinitis, cough etc.
Reproductive system – Cause uterine contraction, Indicated in Dysmenorrhea, Oligomenorrhea, delayed labor etc.
Excretory system – Increases urine output. indicated in Dysuria
Skin – Increase sweat production
Tapakrama – Antipyretic