A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Ruta Graveolens, commonly known as Rue-bitterwort, is a homeopathic remedy traditionally used for ailments affecting the periosteum (the dense layer of tissue covering bones), tendons, cartilages, and the eyes.

It is especially effective in treating issues arising from overstrain, sprains, and a general sense of being “bruised.”

This remedy is popular for its application in treating joint pain, eye strain, and injuries related to physical labour or exertion.

It also offers relief from deep muscle fatigue and stiffness, particularly following injury.

RUTA GRAVEOLENS

SOURCE INFORMATION

Scientific Classification
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Order: Sapindales
  • Family: Rutaceae
  • Genus: Ruta
  • Species: Ruta graveolens

Common Names: Rue, Herb-of-grace, Bitterwort.

Origin
  • Ruta Graveolens is native to the Mediterranean region.
  • It has been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries, particularly by ancient Greeks and Romans who regarded it as a powerful remedy for various ailments, including inflammation, joint pain, and digestive problems.
  • The plant has a strong, bitter scent and was even believed to ward off evil spirits.
Historical Facts
  • In medieval times, Rue was thought to have protective powers against the plague and other illnesses.
  • It was also commonly grown in monastery gardens as a medicinal plant.

DRUG PATHOGENESIS

  • Ruta Graveolens acts primarily on the periosteum, cartilages, and tendons. It helps alleviate pain from overstrain, injuries, and inflammation in these areas. The remedy also has an affinity for the ocular muscles and is frequently used to treat eye strain and weakness in vision due to overuse.

PHYSICAL CONSTITUTION AND DIATHESIS

  • Ruta is most effective for individuals with a tendency towards joint stiffness, muscle fatigue, and susceptibility to injury.
  • They may experience lassitude (extreme tiredness) and a bruised sensation throughout the body.
  • The remedy is beneficial for those who often feel physically worn out after minimal exertion and whose discomfort is made worse by cold, damp conditions.

TEMPERAMENT

  • Individuals benefiting from Ruta may tend to be anxious, restless, and despairing due to the ongoing physical pain.
  • They might feel a strong sense of weakness and desperation, particularly when dealing with chronic injuries or strains.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

  • Complaints from overstraining of muscles, tendons, and cartilages, especially the flexor tendons (which bend joints).
  • Feeling of bruising in all body parts.
  • Lameness and weakness after sprains or strains.
  • Ocular strain leading to headaches, redness, and a burning sensation in the eyes.
  • Tendency to develop ganglia (fluid-filled lumps near tendons or joints).

DETAILED ORGAN SYMPTOMS

HEAD

  • Headaches: Pain felt as though a nail is being driven into the head, commonly aggravated by excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Periosteum soreness: Soreness and tenderness of the periosteum (the tissue covering bones), especially around the skull and facial bones.
  • Nosebleeds (Epistaxis): Frequent nosebleeds associated with headaches or general weakness.

EYES

  • Eye strain: Redness, heat, and aching in the eyes due to prolonged use, such as reading fine print or sewing for extended periods.
  • Pain behind the eyes: Deep-seated pain, especially in the tarsal cartilage (the supportive tissue of the eyelids), leading to discomfort during eye movement.

STOMACH

  • Gastralgia: Gnawing or aching pain in the stomach, often from irritation or inflammation of the gastric lining.

URINARY SYSTEM

  • Bladder fullness: Persistent sensation of a full bladder even after urination, with an urgent need to urinate frequently.
  • Painful bladder closure: Discomfort and pressure felt around the neck of the bladder after urination, often with a painful or incomplete feeling.

RECTUM

  • Constipation: Difficulty passing stools, requiring straining, alternating between hard, dry stools and mucous-filled, frothy stools.
  • Prolapse of the rectum: Rectal prolapse occurring after bowel movements, commonly experienced by women post-childbirth.

RESPIRATORY

  • Cough: A persistent cough with thick, yellow mucus, accompanied by a sense of weakness or exhaustion in the chest.
  • Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, combined with a tight sensation in the chest, especially around the sternum (chest bone).

BACK AND EXTREMITIES

  • Lumbago: Lower back pain, particularly severe in the mornings before getting out of bed, often relieved by lying flat on the back.
  • Leg weakness: Legs feel weak, especially when rising from a seated position, with a tendency to give way.
  • Sciatica: A sharp, shooting pain radiating from the lower back down through the hips and thighs, worsened when lying down.
  • Hamstring tightness: A sensation of shortened and stiff hamstrings, particularly when stretching the legs or after long periods of inactivity.

MODALITIES

  • Worse: Symptoms worsen when lying down, in cold and wet weather, and from overexertion.
  • Better: Pressure applied to the painful area or lying flat on the back can provide relief.

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER REMEDIES

Compare with:

  • Ratanhia: Known for its action on the rectum and for treating rectal irritation and hemorrhoids.
  • Carduus: Useful in liver and gallbladder conditions; also shares some effects on the digestive system.
  • Jaborandi: Commonly used in cases of profuse sweating and helps with eye strain, much like Ruta.
  • Phytolacca (Phyt): Often used for rheumatism and muscular pains, complementing Ruta’s action on tendons and muscles.
  • Rhus tox (Rhus): Effective for sprains, muscle stiffness, and joint pains, similar to Ruta, but more for conditions worsened by cold or damp weather.
  • Silicea (Sil): Used for chronic infections and strengthening of tissues, comparable to Ruta’s action on tendons and periosteum.
  • Arnica (Arn): Both remedies are often used for bruises and trauma, with Arnica being more for immediate physical trauma and Ruta for chronic overstrain.

Antidote

  • Camphor (Camph): Used to counteract or neutralize the effects of Ruta in cases of overdose or adverse reactions.

Complementary remedy

  • Calcarea phosphorica (Calc phos): Works well alongside Ruta for conditions involving bone and joint pains, aiding in recovery from fractures or weakness after overuse.

These relationships guide the homeopath in selecting remedies that either enhance the action of Ruta Graveolens or help when its effects need to be mitigated.

DOSAGE

  • Commonly used in first to sixth potency.
  • Locally, Ruta tincture is applied to treat ganglia and relieve eye strain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ruta Graveolens used for?

  • Ruta is primarily used for treating injuries related to overstrain, such as sprains, joint stiffness, and eye strain.

How does Ruta help with joint pain?

  • Ruta relieves bruised, sore, and stiff sensations in the joints by acting on the periosteum and tendons.

Is Ruta helpful for eye problems?

  • Yes, Ruta is commonly used to treat eye strain and related headaches caused by overuse of the eyes, especially in individuals who spend long hours reading or using screens.

Meaning of Difficult Words

  • Periosteum: A dense layer of connective tissue covering the bones, except at the surfaces of the joints.
  • Cartilage: Flexible connective tissue found in joints between bones, in the ear, nose, and other areas.
  • Flexor tendons: Tendons that connect muscles to bones and help in bending (flexing) joints like the wrist or fingers.
  • Ocular muscles: The muscles that control the movement of the eyes.
  • Lassitude: A state of physical or mental weariness; lack of energy.
  • Epistaxis: Medical term for nosebleed.
  • Asthenopia: Eye strain, typically from prolonged visual activities such as reading or computer use.
  • Gastralgia: Pain in the stomach or abdominal region.
  • Prolapsus ani: A condition where part of the rectum protrudes through the anus, often occurring after childbirth.
  • Expectoration: The process of coughing up and spitting out mucus from the lungs or throat.
  • Sternum: The flat bone located at the center of the chest, connecting the ribs.
  • Lumbago: Pain in the lower back, commonly referred to as lower back pain.
  • Sciatica: Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, which runs down one or both legs from the lower back.
  • Tarsal cartilage: Cartilage located in the tarsal region of the eye, responsible for the structure of the eyelids.
  • Ganglia: Fluid-filled swellings that typically develop along tendons or joints, especially in the wrists.
  • Prolapse: A slipping forward or downward of one of the parts or organs of the body.
  • Tendo-Achilles: The tendon at the back of the ankle that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.
  • Rectal: Pertaining to the rectum, the final section of the large intestine.