At a glance
- Common name
- Rue / Herb of Grace
- Botanical name
- Ruta graveolens
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Parts mentioned in historical records
- Leaves
- Traditional correspondences
- Mars / Sun; Fire
Historical record
Ancient antidote against poisons and venomous bites. Mithridates VI, King of Pontus, incorporated it into his legendary universal poison antidote. In the Catholic Church, sprigs were dipped into holy water to asperge congregations.
Folklore and mythology
Carried in amulets in Italian witchcraft (stregheria) where the 'Cimaruta' (sprig of rue amulet) was worn to protect newborn infants and pregnant women from evil spells and malevolent spirits.
Aristotle noted that Greeks used rue to counter nervousness when dining in public with strangers (fearing the 'evil eye'). In European folklore, it was said to grow best when stolen from an unwitting neighbor's garden.
Tradition: Mediterranean & Italian Witchcraft Associated figures: Diana / Aradia & Catholic Liturgy
Prized by Aristotle as a charm against fascination; in Stregheria, the Cimaruta (rue sprig) amulet protects against Mal de Ojo; used in church aspergillums for holy water.
Growing stolen rue ensures maximum magical potency; hung above kitchen fireplaces to bar entrance to malicious witches.
Mystical correspondences
Correspondences vary by tradition and source.
Safety first
Historical and spiritual associations do not establish that Rue / Herb of Grace is safe or effective. Do not use this page as instructions for ingesting, smoking, inhaling, or applying Rue / Herb of Grace.
This page is lore only. Do not purchase or use Rue / Herb of Grace.
For current safety information, check a health authority or ask a qualified clinician or pharmacist, especially during pregnancy or lactation, while taking medication, or with an allergy or health condition.