shrubby evergreen that originated in southern Europe.
The entire plant has a strong and unpleasant smell, and a flavor similar to very ripe, blue cheese. should not be taken internally when pregnant as the herb will stimulate the uterus and could cause miscarriage.
Medicinally, rue has been used to cure many ailments, particularly to improve eyesight.
Italian painters use to eat rue for this reason.
Latin: Ruta graveolens
Common Names: Herb of Grace, Garden Rue, Herbygrass, Rude, Rewe
used mostly as a protective herb, though it has had many magickal uses in the past. Rue is steeped with folklore, both Pagan and in other faiths.
In the past, rue was credited with protecting a home against the plague. It worked, but not because of magick. The herb was rubbed on the floors, and its scent was strong enough to repel fleas. This would have then also kept the plague away, since fleas were the carriers of the disease.
Rue was even used by early Christians during exorcism rituals, for asperging. In Stregha (Italian witchcraft), rue is used in a traditional charm called a Cimaruta. Rue is considered a very sacred herb, associated with Diana.
According to Scott Cunningham, you can use a mixture of rosemary and a pinch of black pepper in place of rue.
Planet: Mars or the Sun
Element: Fire
Deities: Diana
