Rue is one of the most ornamental of all herbs. It has unusual, deeply cut, smooth leaves which are quite blue in color; in ideal conditions when the plant grows vigorously, the foliage is thickly massed in graceful layers. In summer and early autumn (fall) small posies of acid yellow blooms gather at the tips of each flower stalk. There is also a rare type with variegated leaves. One would expect such a pretty plant to have a delicious flavor, but this is definitely not so: the taste is extraordinarily bitter.
History and mythology
Rue originated in Southern Europe and was introduced to Britain by the Romans. It is one of the historically well-known bitter herbs, the others being tansy and wormwood. It is said that brushes made of rue were once used for sprinkling holy water at solemn church ceremonies before High Mass, thus earning its other name of “Herb of Grace.” Ophelia says to Hamlet: “There’s rue for you and here’s some for me, we may call it herb of grace o’ Sundays.” Rue was relied on as a cure for a host of physical ills, as well as being an effective insect repellent. It also had a reputation for warding off black magic, and according to legend was a component in witches’ spells. One authority says it was an ingredient in the making of mead in far-off times.
Cultivation
Rue cuttings may be taken in spring and inserted in river sand as described in the propagating chapter beginning on page 195 of this book. Seed is also sewn in spring in prepared boxes, and we have found this the easiest and quickest way of increasing it. Young plants are ready for potting, or setting out in the garden, when their root systems have formed. Root division is also effective in spring, the separated pieces being put into the open ground immediately. Grow rue in the sun in well-drained soil. It makes a distinctive border; is effective when grouped in rows as low hedges; or can be interspersed, as foliage contrast, with other herbs. Do not let it flower too soon or plants will quickly look thin and sparse; nip off flower stalks at the base when they first shoot to ensure thick, bunchy foliage, and then allow blooming later on. Water the plants regularly in very dry weather to ensure healthy growth and appearance.
Harvesting and processing
Cut plants near the base (they will shoot again) for drying just before flowering in the morning when the dew has gone. Hang in loose bunches, or spread out on airy racks in a shady place. When the leaves are dry and brittle, crumble them into airtight containers to store for later use.
Various uses
Culinary
This herb is not sought after for culinary use because of its acrid, bitter taste. However, in ancient Rome it was eaten for the preservation of sight, and we have been told that to this day a little fresh rue is added by some Italians to their salads.
Medicinal
Ancient and modern herbalists agree on the potency of rue in helping to remedy several maladies. As it is very powerful, all the experts warn laymen on its use it should be administered only by a qualified therapist, and doses should be taken strictly as directed. Pregnant women are advised against taking it, and large amounts can be toxic. When given in the right doses, rue relieves colic and indigestion, has been useful in eliminating worms, and has improved the appetite. It has been found valuable when made into an ointment for external use to help relieve the pain of sciatica, rheumatism, and gout. It also has a use in skin disease.
Cosmetic
Oil distilled from rue has a use in perfumery. This may seem contradictory as we have emphasized its peculiar bitterness: when judiciously employed, an opposite scent or flavor can intensify the potency of other ingredients in many different kinds of blends, whether in fragrances or in food.
Companion planting
It has been noted that rue and basil plants do not grow well near each other. Rue has been esteemed since earliest times as a natural disinfectant; a tea made from fresh or dried rue and sprinkled liberally in a flea-infested area will effectively repel them. Rue plants also repel flies and it is recommended to grow plants around the compost heap or manure pile. Rub some cooled rue tea into the coat of a dog or cat to help rid them of fleas.
