Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Rue

RUE, or ruta, L. a genus of exotic plants, comprising seven species, the principal of which is the graveolens, or Common broad-leaved Garden Rue. It flowers in the month of June.

This plant is, for its medicinal properties, often cultivated in gardens. It has a strong odour, and a bitterish pungent taste. The leaves are very acrid; and, when in full vigour, are apt to raise blisters on handling, or applying them to the skin. Boerhaave recommends them as powerful stimulants, attenuants, and detergents: hence they are reputed to be of great service to persons of cold, phlegmatic habits; as they quicken the circulation; dissolve viscid or tenacious juices; remove obstructions; and promote the fluid secretions. "What medicine," says he, "can be more efficacious for promoting sweat and perspiration; for the cure of the hysreric passion, of epilepsies; and for expelling poison?"—Nevertheless, the rue has lately been seldom prescribed, probably because many absurd and superstitious notions prevail respecting this herb, in domestic life.