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Ruta chalepensis
[Synonyms : Ruta angustifolia, Ruta bracteosa, Ruta chalepensis var. bracteosa, Ruta
fumariifolia]
FRINGED RUE is an evergreen shrub. Native to the Mediterranean, Macaronesia (the islands
off the Atlantic coasts of Iberia and North Africa), northern Africa, and western Asia, it
has aromatic yellowish-green leaflets, and conspicuously fringed, greenish-tinged, yellow
flowers.
It is also known as Aleppo rue, Ctronelle marron (French), Common rue, Egyptian rue, Fejġel
(Maltese), Fringed bur, Herb of grace, Ruda (Spanish), Rue, Rue of the Bible, and Wall
rue.
Warning – some authorities advise that any part of the plant should only be ingested in very
small amounts and not on a repetitive basis whether as food or medicine. It is also
intimated that the plant should be handled with care as it may be able to cause
photosensitivity and dermatitis, as well as exacerbating localised sunburn.
This shrub takes on a somewhat bluish-grey overall colour when not in flower.
When any part of the plant is bruised a fetid smell is emitted.
Chalepensis can mean ‘of or from Aleppo (north-western Syria)’.
Despite its unpleasant smell and bitter taste, it has not only been a flavouring ingredient in the
past in Middle Eastern cookery but also in food in Roman times. Records also indicate
that Caribbean negroes used the plant as a food flavouring too.
Today an essential oil made from the leaves is believed to be used commercially in some foods
and is still familiar in kitchens, often as a condiment, in some Arabian countries, northern
Africa, India and Mexico.
Mithridates (c.132-63 BC), the 1st Century King of Pontus (northern Turkey), may have
included fringed rue as one of at least 36 ingredients in a poison antidote (known as
Antidotum Mithridaticum or Theriac) which he took daily to acquire an overall immunity
– an important consideration if it is remembered that he gained power by poisoning his
opposition. The effectiveness of the potion in which it would have been included added
support to the belief held then that the plant was able to offer protection against magic
and witchcraft, and it came to be the forerunner of potions that were eventually known as
‘electuaries’. Until the mid-19th Century these expensive panaceas (with their secret
ingredients) were available throughout Europe under various names.
The Ohlone or Costanoan North American Indians of the central Californian coast prescribed a
plant decoction for easing coughs – and, in some places, for stomach aches. Whereas
records indicate that South American Indian tribes in Amazonia chose a powdered leaf
decoction for treating various disorders including eye problems and aural disorders,
period difficulties, and nervous disorders, as well as relying upon it for sedation.
Leaves yield an essential oil (as already indicated) which is said to be employed by the
perfumery industry.
Fringed rue has been cultivated as an ornamental plant since Biblical times (when it would
have been subject to a tax or tithe).
Medicinally, despite reported deaths from injudicious use, today it would seem that a leaf
decoction is turned to in northern Africa for easing fever. Saudi Arabians are believed to
©Sue Eland 2008
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rely upon parts of the plant as a remedy for headaches, rheumatism and wind; and in
India it can be chosen for treating blood problems (including period disorders), as well as
for water retention and rheumatism. Medical research has indicated that the plant might
be able to play a role in sports nutrition and a deterrent part in early stages of some
cancer.
©Sue Eland 2008
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