bianca's Herb Garden : Rue
This herb was used widely in medieval times by witches as a stimulative and
irritant drug in women's complaints. The oil is a danderous abortifacient
and large doses may produce nerve derangements. It is poisonous but
rarely causes death. The infusion of the herb is used for hysteria and
as a nervine. It was boiled in wine with pepper and applied to warts to
remove them, and the fresh herb bruised with myrtle to remove pimples
and marks on the body. The infusion taken internally will kill and expel
worms. The ointment is used for sciatica and sore joints and fou gout.
The seem boiled in wine is said to be an antidote against all poisons.