Evidence supporting the use of: Rue
For the health condition: Itching
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Rue (Ruta graveolens) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Europe and the Mediterranean region. It has been used topically as a remedy for itching, skin irritations, and various dermatological issues. The traditional rationale for its use often centers on rue’s reputed anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing properties, which were believed to benefit pruritic (itchy) conditions.
However, scientific validation for rue’s effectiveness in treating itching is limited. Most of the evidence remains anecdotal or historical, with few modern clinical studies specifically investigating its anti-pruritic effects. Some phytochemical studies have identified bioactive compounds in rue, such as flavonoids and alkaloids, which may possess anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial activity, but these findings do not directly translate into proven efficacy for itching.
There are also safety concerns: rue can cause skin irritation, photosensitivity, and allergic reactions in some individuals, especially when used topically. As such, while its use for itching is supported by traditional practices, this is not strongly corroborated by modern scientific research, and caution is advised in its application.
Other ingredients used for Itching
Aloe veramyrobalan
betel
bisabolol
chamomile
turmeric
Japanese sophora
licorice root
marshmallow
Peppermint
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
vitamin D
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
chickweed
typhonium
ferula assafoetida
yarrow
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
sheep's sorrel
camphor oil
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agrimony
Anamu
Abrus
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alsonia scholaris
Argan nut oil
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
benzyl alcohol
Babchi
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Balsam
Barleria
Brazilian peppertree
Black Nightshade
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coconut oil
Colloid
Cinquefoil
Cocoa Butter
Carry Me Seed
Cornflower
Cajuput
Catechu
Cedar
Calamus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castor Oil
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Dendramine
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Emu Oil
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fang-Feng
Fleabane
Fringed Pink
Giant Blazingstar
Gardenia jasminoides
Golden Shower Tree
Homalomena
Houttuynia
Honey loquat syrup
Hydrocolloid
Henna
Indian Nightshade
Jewelweed
Jojoba Oil
Jessica's Sticktight
Ledebouriella
Lesser speargrass
Lichen
Lophira lanceolata
Lycopodium
Labrador Tea
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Lysimachia
Marsh Tea
Mallow
Malva sylvestris
Matico
Matapalo Tree
Mahonia
Marking Nut Tree
Macaranga indica
Oak
Onosma bracteatum
Pagoda Tree
Pulsatilla
Pepper Bark Tree
Pellitory
Plumbago zeylanica
Polygonum
Plectranthus amboinicus
Potentilla
Quisqualis
Rue
Rubus
Rhus glabra
Sabadilla
Spilanthes
Speedwell
Spanish Needle
Self-Heal
Sweet Annie
Spikenard
Salvia
Sensitive Plant
Snakeroot
Sanguisorba
Southernwood
Slippery Elm
Sagebrush
Semiaquilegia
Soapberry
Sandalwood
Scabrous Gentian
Sapindus mukorossi
Sumac
Sulfur
Sweet Bay
Storax
Sandy Everlasting
Tannins
Terpinen-4-ol
Thymol
Tea Tree Oil
Vervain
Wrightia tinctoria
Witch Hazel
Waltheria ovata
Winter Savory
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