Rue, a hardy, aromatic herb with yellow-green leaves and small clustered flowers, has long been valued for its unique properties. Thriving in dry climates like the Mediterranean, rue has a rich history across cultures—from traditional medicine to folklore—and is now gaining renewed interest for its potential health and wellness benefits.
A Herb Steeped in History
Rue has been cultivated for centuries, not just for its strong scent that helps repel insects, but also for its symbolic and traditional significance.
- In ancient Rome, it was carried for protection and believed to offer spiritual cleansing.
- Traditional Chinese medicine valued rue for its harmonizing energy.
- Throughout Europe, it was often associated with warding off negative energy.
- In the Americas, Indigenous communities used it in symbolic rituals promoting emotional connection and wellness.
While many of these uses are steeped in tradition and not supported by modern science, they illustrate rue’s historical role in holistic practices.
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