Rue (wou)
Ruta chalepensis
Rue
wou
Rue
Ruta chalepensis
Traditionally used
Menstrual regulation, evil eye protection, digestive issues, fever, spiritual cleansing, headaches
Prepared as
For spiritual cleansing baths, fresh rue leaves are steeped in hot water (not boiling) for 15-20 minutes, then the cooled liquid is added to bath water or used for washing floors and doorways. As a medicinal tea, 1 teaspoon of dried rue is steeped in hot water for 5-10 minutes and taken in small doses of 1/4 cup, though this must be used with extreme caution due to rue's potent nature. Fresh rue branches are also commonly bundled and used directly for spiritual sweeping rituals without any water preparation.
In three languages
Kreyòl — Règle fanm yo, pwoteksyon kont move je, pwoblèm vant, lafyèv, netwayaj espirityèl, tèt ki fè mal
Français — Régulation des règles, protection contre le mauvais œil, troubles digestifs, fièvre, purification spirituelle, maux de tête
Safety
Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.
Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.
Kept alongside