View source for Common Rue

{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = Common Rue
| image = Ruta graveolens3.jpg
| image_width = 240px
| image_caption = Common Rue in flower
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Sapindales]]
| familia = [[Rutaceae]]
| genus = ''[[Rue|Ruta]]''
| species = '''''R. graveolens'''''
| binomial = ''Ruta graveolens''
| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
}}
The '''Common Rue''' (''Ruta graveolens''), also known as '''Herb-of-grace''', is a species of [[rue]] grown as a [[herb]]. It is native to southern [[Europe]]. It is sometimes grown as an [[ornamental plant]] in [[garden]]s, especially because of its bluish leaves, and also sometimes for its tolerance of hot and dry [[soil]] conditions. It also is grown as both a medicinal herb and as a condiment.

In European folk medicine, rue is said to relieve gas pains and colic, improve appetite and digestion, and promote the onset of menstruation and uteral contractions. For this reason the refined oil of rue has been cited by the Roman historian [[Pliny the Elder]] and the gynecologist [[Soranus]], as a potent [[abortifacient]] (inducing abortion). Rue contains [[pilocarpine]] which is used in horses to induce abortion, and is a traditional abortifacient among Hispanic people in New Mexico.<ref name="riddle> Riddle, John M. 1992. '' Contraception and abortion from the ancient world to the Renaissance. '' Harvard University Press. p. 28-29. </ref> 

Rue can also be made into an ointment for external use against gout, arthritis, rheumatism and neuralgia.

Rue does have a culinary use if used sparingly but it is incredibly bitter and severe discomfort on ingestion may be experienced by some individuals.  Although used more extensively in former times it is not a herb that typically suits modern tastes, and thus its use declined considerably over the course of the 20th century to the extent that it is today largely unknown to the general public and most chefs, and unavailable in grocery stores.<ref>{{cite web | title = Rue (Ruta graveolens L.) | url = http://www.uni-graz.at/~katzer/engl/Ruta_gra.html}}</ref> Rue leaves and berries are an important part of the cuisine of [[Ethiopia]] and rue is also used as a traditional flavouring in Greece and other Mediterranean countries. In Istria, there is a [[grappa]]/[[raki]]ja recipe that calls for a sprig of rue. The plant produces seeds that can be used for porridge. The bitter leaf can be added to eggs, cheese, fish, or mixed with damson plums and wine to produce a meat sauce. 

Rue is also grown as an [[ornamental plant]], both as a low hedge and so the leaves can be used in [[nosegay]]s. Most cats dislike the smell of it and therefore it can be used as a deterrent to them (see also ''[[Plectranthus caninus]]'').
{{Commons|Ruta graveolens}}

==References==


==Notes==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://www.uni-graz.at/~katzer/engl/Ruta_gra.html Rue (Ruta graveolens L.) page] from Gernot Katzer's Spice Pages

{{Herbs & spices}}

[[Category:Herbs]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
[[Category:Sapindales]]
[[Category:Abortifacients]]

{{Sapindales-stub}}

[[de:Weinraute]]
[[es:Ruta graveolens]]
[[fr:Rue officinale]]
[[hu:Kerti ruta]]
[[nl:Wijnruit]]
[[pt:Arruda]]
[[fi:Tuoksuruuta]]
[[sv:Vinruta]]
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