Evidence supporting the use of: Rue
For the health condition: Afterbirth Pain

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Rue (Ruta graveolens) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern herbal practices. Historically, rue has been administered to women postpartum for its reputed ability to stimulate uterine contractions and promote the expulsion of retained lochia or afterbirth, potentially easing afterbirth pain. This traditional use is largely based on the plant's emmenagogue and antispasmodic properties as described in old herbals and ethnobotanical records. However, the scientific evidence supporting rue's efficacy for afterbirth pain is very limited; there are no well-designed clinical trials or robust pharmacological studies specifically examining its impact on postpartum uterine pain or afterbirth processes. Most available information comes from anecdotal reports and historical medical texts, rather than contemporary research. Additionally, rue has known toxicities, especially at higher doses, which include gastrointestinal distress, photosensitivity, and possible neurotoxicity, making its use potentially risky. In summary, while rue's application for afterbirth pain is rooted in tradition, there is a lack of scientific validation for this practice, and caution is warranted due to the plant's toxicity profile.

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