Evidence supporting the use of: Rue
For the health condition: Gas and Bloating
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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bacillus coagulans
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium lactis
Bifidobacterium longum
black pepper
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fenugreek
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fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
gentian root
ginger
Greek mountain tea
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cellulase
horseradish
isomalto-oligosaccharide
quassia
Lactobacillus gasseri
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licorice root
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lovage
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oregano
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pineapple
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butyric acid
psyllium
raspberry
rhubarb root
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schizonepeta
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ferula assafoetida
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buttermilk
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coconut oil
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fleabane
false calumba
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rue
rockweed
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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