Rue from Köhler’s Medicinal Plants / Ruta graveolens

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This digital rendering showcases the Ruta graveolens, commonly referred to as rue or herb-of-grace. The illustration is a breathtaking masterpiece sourced from Köhlers Medicinal Plants, or Köhlers Medizinal Pflanzen in its original language. This historical botanical art dates back to approximately 1887, rendering it an invaluable piece of art.

Ruta graveolens, commonly known as rue or herb-of-grace, is a perennial herb that has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. It belongs to the family Rutaceae and is native to the Balkan Peninsula and southeastern Europe. Rue is known for its bitter taste and pungent aroma and contains several compounds such as coumarins, quinoline alkaloids, flavonoids, and essential oils that have antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, diuretic, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. It has been traditionally used in folk medicine to treat digestive issues like bloating, gas, constipation as well as menstrual problems like cramps. However, it should be used with caution as it can cause adverse effects like skin irritation or allergic reactions when consumed in high doses. Ruta graveolens has also been studied for its potential anticancer activity against certain tumor cells due to the presence of flavonoids and other bioactive compounds.