7 mins read

Overview: Rue (Ruta graveolens) is used for many reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. It is most often available as an essential oil, which must be diluted before use. Applying rue essential oil can make your skin sensitive to sunlight, increasing your risk for severe burns and blisters. In general, it is best not to apply rue to the skin. Before using products containing rue, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is rue used for?

Rue (Ruta graveolens) is used for various health purposes, but its benefits for any use are not well defined.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed rue for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here. Learn more about essential oils here.

How does rue work (mechanism of action)?

Rue is a plant called Ruta graveolens. The leaves of this plant are used to make dietary supplements and essential oil. It is also known by many other names, including arruda, common rue, and herb of grace.

Most products that contain rue are made from its essential oil. Rue essential oil is made by heating up the leaves until certain chemicals, called volatile aromatic compounds, are released. Rue essential oil products are diluted in water before use. Although people use rue essential oil for various reasons, there is very little research on its use. It is unclear what effects it may have in the body.

Herbal products, such as rue, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific rue product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store rue?

You should store rue according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of rue?

The most common side effects of rue are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Rash or irritated skin (when applied to the skin)
  • Upset stomach (when taken by mouth)

There may be other side effects of rue that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of rue?

While less common, the most serious side effects of rue are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Rue may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using rue and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin calledhives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Skin Reactions. Applying rue essential oil to the skin can cause skin reactions, such as rashes, blisters, and burns. This risk seems to be higher in people who use products that contain high concentrations of rue essential oil. Pure rue essential oil should be diluted before it is applied to the skin. In some people, these skin reactions may be caused by an allergy to rue (contact dermatitis). Stop using rue essential oil and contact your health care provider right away if you have a skin reaction.

Sensitivity to Sunlight. Your skin may be very sensitive to light from the sun and devices that give off similar light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds, when rue is applied to the skin. This is called photosensitivity. You should not apply pure rue or rue essential oil to your skin. Even diluted rue oil may cause sensitivity to sunlight. If you do apply it to your skin and need to be in the sunlight, use sunscreen and cover that area with clothing. Exposure to sunlight, even for a short time, can cause your skin to be severely sunburned, blistered, or swollen. Tell your health care provider right away if any of these happen.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use rue?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use rue.

  • Common rue
  • Herb-of-grace
  • Rue
  • Ruta graveolens
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific rue products they stock.

What should I know about rue before using it?

Rue is available as an essential oil. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep rue out of the reach of children.

Some rue essential oil products contain 100% pure rue oil. Do not use pure rue oil for any purpose. Applying it to your skin can cause irritation and make your skin very sensitive to sunlight. If your skin is exposed to the sun after applying rue oil, it can be severely burned, blistered, or swollen. See the Side Effects section for more details. If you are taking rue essential oil by mouth, most products recommend mixing 0.5 to 1 milliliter (mL) of rue oil into a full glass of water before use. Follow the instructions on the product label.

Herbal products, such as rue, naturally contain many chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific rue product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way it was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Rue is available in different forms, including as an essential oil or liquid extract. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.

The FDA has not tested rue products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using rue?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also tell them if you have an upcoming surgery planned. Sharing this information will help your health care provider know if this or other supplements are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Sensitive Skin. Rue essential oil can cause skin irritation and skin reactions, especially in people who have sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, talk to your health care provider before using rue essential oil.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Rue may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using rue, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Rue may increase the risk of a miscarriage. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if rue passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does rue interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between rue and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect rue.

Does rue interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using a medicine that makes you more sensitive to sunlight before using rue.

The interactions between rue and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with rue is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using rue with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much rue?

If you or someone else has used too much rue, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to use rue safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.