Ruta graveolens is a highly fragrant perennial known for its bluish leaves and medicinal properties.

The flowers are small and pale yellow, contrasting beautifully against the sea of grey foliage.

NOTA BENE:  Rue can cause severe phytophotodermatitis (seere blistering on the skin) in some people, though the reasons and function of it is currently unknown.

The Tale:

Graveolens refers to the strong-smelling leaves.

Medicine: The refined oil of rue is an emmenagogue – this refers to cerain herbs that stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus; some can stimulate menstruation (necessary in some cases of hormonal disorders for instance).

Drinks: In Istria in the Mediterranean region, the local grappa or ruki will be gently flavored with rue, sometimes you can even find a branch floating in the bottle.

Animals: Most cats dislike the smell of it, and it can, therefore, be used as a deterrent to them.

Rituals:

• • During Yom Kippur, a Jewish holiday marked by fasting, Sephardic synagogues often pass ruda among congregants to revitalise them as the rue is associated with protection from malevolent forces.
  • Rue is often collected with other small flowers into small flower bouquets called nosegay, posy, or tussie-mussie – this practice has existed since the medieval times. Traditionally they are wrapped in doilies.

Mythology:  The basilisk, whose breath causes plants to wilt and stones to crack, had no effect on rue