Evidence supporting the use of: Rue
For the health condition: Amenorrhea
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Rue (Ruta graveolens) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures, as an emmenagogue—a substance believed to stimulate menstrual flow. Historical texts, including ancient Greek and Roman medical writings, refer to rue’s use in treating amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) as well as other reproductive complaints. Traditional herbalists have attributed its effects to the presence of various phytochemicals, such as rutin and volatile oils, which were thought to exert a stimulant effect on the uterus. However, clinical trial data validating these claims are lacking. Most of the available evidence is anecdotal or comes from historical sources rather than modern scientific studies. Some case reports and ethnobotanical surveys mention its use, but robust pharmacological research on rue for amenorrhea is minimal. Additionally, rue can be toxic at higher doses and is known to have abortifacient properties, which warrants caution. Overall, while rue’s use for amenorrhea is well documented in traditional medicine, this application is not strongly supported by contemporary scientific evidence.
Other ingredients used for Amenorrhea
ashwagandhachaste tree
chasteberry
dong quai root
fennel
fenugreek
ginger
ginseng
licorice root
maca
motherwort
rhodiola
vitamin B6
vitamin D
wild yam
shen-chu
anise
blessed thistle
dioscorea
shepherd's purse
Angelica
Achyranthes
Alchemilla
Aletris
Aerva lanata
Anemone
Asteracea
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Blue Cohosh
Bethroot
Ba Ji Tian
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cyathula
Chrysophanics
Dong Quai
Estrogen
False Unicorn Root
Iris
Pennyroyal
Other health conditions supported by Rue
Abdominal PainAfterbirth Pain
Amenorrhea
Anxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blood Poisoning
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Cuts
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Dysmenorrhea
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Herpes
Indigestion
Infection
Insomnia
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Lice
Menopause
Migraine
Nausea and Vomiting