Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Rue (Ruta graveolens) has a longstanding history in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures. It has been used to support digestion, reduce gas, and alleviate bloating. Traditional healers often recommended rue as a carminative—the term for herbs believed to help expel gas from the gastrointestinal tract. Historical texts, such as those from ancient Greek and Roman physicians (e.g., Dioscorides and Galen), mention the use of rue for various digestive complaints, including flatulence and stomach discomfort.

However, modern scientific evidence validating these uses is limited. Few clinical studies have investigated rue’s effectiveness for gas and bloating, and those that exist are generally low in quality or focus on animal models. Some laboratory research has identified antispasmodic and mild anti-inflammatory properties in rue extracts, which could theoretically ease digestive discomfort. Nevertheless, these findings have not been robustly confirmed in human trials.

Because of its traditional use and some supportive (but not conclusive) preclinical data, rue continues to be cited in herbal medicine texts as an option for digestive issues. It should be used with caution, as rue can be toxic in large doses or with prolonged use. In summary, rue’s use for gas and bloating is justified primarily by tradition, with minimal scientific validation to date.

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