Ruta Graveolens Homeopathy: Uses and Benefits

Educational information on traditional homeopathic use only. Not medical advice.

Ruta graveolens is a homeopathic remedy made from rue, an aromatic Mediterranean herb. In traditional homeopathic use it is a classic first-thought remedy for strains and overuse affecting tendons, ligaments and the fibrous covering of bones, for a bruised, lame feeling in the joints, and for tired, aching eyes after close work. It comes as tablets, drops and an ointment, and as one ingredient in injury and eye combination formulas.

Ruta graveolens at a glance

• Source: the fresh plant of common rue (Ruta graveolens)
• Traditional keynotes: strained tendons and ligaments; bruised bones and shins; tired eyes from screens or reading; a lame, restless ache
• Classic modalities: worse from cold, damp and overexertion; better for gentle warmth and changing position
• Typical potencies: 6C or 30C for self-care; higher with a practitioner
• Ask first if: pregnant, breastfeeding, or giving to a child

Buy Weleda Ruta Graveolens 30cBuy Weleda Ruta Ointment

What is Ruta graveolens and where does it come from?

Ruta graveolens is prepared from rue, a strongly aromatic Mediterranean herb long used in traditional medicine. The fresh plant is used to make the homeopathic tincture, which is then diluted and succussed. It is often grouped with Arnica and Rhus toxicodendron as one of the classical remedies for the effects of injury and overexertion, with a special affinity for tendons, ligaments and the periosteum (the covering of the bone).

What is Ruta graveolens used for?

The whole picture guides the choice. Ruta is traditionally associated with:

• Strains and sprains of tendons and ligaments, especially wrists, ankles and knees
• Bruised, aching bones and joints, as if beaten or overused
• Injuries to the fibrous covering of bones and to the shins
• Eye strain and tired, aching eyes from prolonged close work or screens
• A lame, restless feeling that rest does not fully ease

The classic picture is a strained wrist, ankle or knee that feels bruised and lame, or tired, gritty eyes after hours of reading or screen work. There is a deep, overworked ache and a restlessness that makes it hard to stay still even though movement aggravates. A significant injury, severe swelling, inability to put weight on a limb, or eye pain or changes in vision need a doctor or pharmacist, not self-treatment.

Ruta potency: 6C, 30C or 200C?

Ruta is commonly used in low to medium potencies such as 6C or 30C. Lower potencies are often chosen for physical, everyday strains, and 30C is a popular general-purpose strength, which is what the Weleda tablets below provide. Higher potencies such as 200C are usually reserved for guidance from an experienced homeopath. In the drop formulas, the potency is already set by the maker (Ruta D6 in Reckeweg R55, D2 in R78).

Traditional dosage: what product labels say

Always follow your own pack. The pages for the products we stock that list Ruta give:

• Weleda Ruta Graveolens 30c (125 tablets): adults 2 tablets, children 1 tablet, sucked or chewed. Unless otherwise directed, one dose every 2 hours for the first 6 doses, then when required, reducing as symptoms improve.
• Weleda Ruta Ointment (25 g): adults and children, apply to the affected area once or twice a day if required. For external use only. The base contains wool fat and beeswax.
• Dr. Reckeweg R55 Drops (Ruta D6 with Arnica, Symphytum, Rhus tox and others): follow the pack, which gives frequent small doses in water in the first period after an injury.
• Dr. Reckeweg R78 Drops (Ruta D2 with Euphrasia and others): 20 drops in a little water three times daily.

Who should avoid Ruta graveolens?

• Anyone allergic to rue or any ingredient on the label; the ointment contains wool fat (lanolin) and beeswax.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women: ask your practitioner first. Rue as a raw herb has a traditional reputation as unsuitable in pregnancy.
• Children: ask your practitioner; the Weleda label gives 1 tablet as the children's dose.
• Do not apply the ointment to broken skin or near the eyes.
• Anyone avoiding alcohol: drop formulas contain ethanol.

How does Ruta differ from Arnica and Rhus tox?

• Arnica is the first remedy people think of for bruising and the shock of a blow, while Ruta is more about tendon, ligament and bone-covering strain after the first stage.
• Rhus toxicodendron is stiff on first moving but eases with continued gentle movement; Ruta is lame and restless, but movement still aggravates.
• Berberis vulgaris is linked with shooting pains in the loins and urinary region. See the Berberis Vulgaris guide.

Frequently asked questions

What plant is Ruta graveolens made from?

It is made from rue, an aromatic Mediterranean herb, using the fresh plant to prepare the homeopathic remedy.

What is Ruta best known for in homeopathy?

Traditionally, strains and injuries to tendons, ligaments and bone coverings, and tired, aching eyes from close work.

What is Ruta graveolens 200C used for?

200C is a higher potency. It is traditionally chosen by practitioners to match the whole picture; for self-care, 6C or 30C are the usual choices.

Can I use Ruta ointment and Ruta tablets together?

Many people use both traditionally, but follow each label, and ask your practitioner if unsure.

How is Ruta usually taken?

Commonly as 6C or 30C tablets or pillules; people often reach for it after a strain, sprain or a long spell of eye-straining work.

Keep reading

• Berberis Vulgaris: Homeopathic Uses and Benefits
• Urtica Urens: Homeopathic Uses and Benefits
• Dulcamara: Homeopathic Uses and Benefits
• Colchicum: Homeopathic Uses and Benefits
• Natrum Muriaticum: Homeopathic Uses and Benefits

Browse more

• Weleda
• Joint health remedies
• Reckeweg products
• Health Library

Homeopathic medicines are not a substitute for medical care.