English name: Rue, Aruvatha, Herb of Grace, Common Rue
Malay name: Daun Garuda (Daun Busuk)
Chinese name: 臭草
“A rare medicinal plant with various health benefits”.
Botanical name: Ruta graveolens
Family: Rutaceae
Description: A strongly aromatic, woody perennial shrub.
Therapeutic category: Traditional tonic
Treats:
- menstrual disorders (used as emmenagogue)
- spasms (used as antispasmodic)
- loss of appetite
- dyspeptic complaints
- circulatory disorders
- fever
- high blood pressure
- heart palpitations
- inflamed mucosa
- toothache
- hysteria
- arthritis
- sprains
- injuries
- skin diseases
- used as carminative
- used as stimulant
Preparation and dosage:
Dried leaves (rutae folium) or dried aboveground parts (rutae herba)
- Bruised leaves can be placed on tooth to reduce pain
- Bruised leaves can be placed in the ears to alleviate pain
- Extreme care is required as high doses is toxic and abortive plus rue can cause photodermatitis
Fresh plants
- Cooked as a sweet soup dessert (traditional Chinese dessert)
- Made into oilment to ‘protect’ babies (traditional Malay usage)