Ruta Graveolens

Rue, an old herb of European gardens, traditionally used in homoeopathy for sprains, bruised bones and tendons, and eyes tired from close work.

Ruta graveolens, common rue, is a small, strongly scented evergreen shrub of the citrus family, native to the Mediterranean region and grown in herb gardens since ancient times. It has blue-green, finely divided leaves and clusters of small, dull yellow flowers. Handling the plant in sunlight can blister sensitive skin.

Classic texts say rue acts on the covering of the bones, the cartilages, the tendons and the eyes. Homoeopaths traditionally turn to it for sprains and strains, especially after Arnica, for bruised, aching bones and stiff wrists, and for red, hot, aching eyes after reading or fine work. Lameness after a sprain is a keynote.

• Sprains and strains
• Bruised bones
• Tendon strain
• Tired, aching eyes