One plant, the evil eye on two continents
Rue is hung against the evil eye in Anatolia; in Peru, as ruda, it is the core herb of limpia cleansings.
Side by side
| Rue | |
|---|---|
| Latin name | Ruta graveolens |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Region | Anatolia and the Mediterranean, Andes |
| Part used | Leaves, flowering stems |
| Use | Incense and protection, Healing, Poisonous |
| Scientific evidence | Traditional |
| Safety | High risk |
| Legal status in Türkiye | No specific restriction |
Rue
Grown at home or carried as a sprig against the evil eye. In folk medicine it is known for bringing on menstruation and expelling worms.
In Peruvian and Bolivian markets, ruda is the core plant of limpia (cleansing) rites; it is rubbed on the body against the evil eye (mal de ojo) and “bad air” (mal aire). In northern Argentina and Bolivia, “caña con ruda” is drunk on 1 August, at the start of Pachamama’s month, to ward off winter illness.
Science: It contains furanocoumarins and rutin. Furanocoumarins make the skin highly sensitive to sunlight. Rutin is a flavonoid studied for blood vessel health; there is no clinical evidence for the plant itself.
Safety: Touching the fresh plant and then going into the sun can cause severe skin burns (phytophotodermatitis). It can cause miscarriage and is toxic to the liver and kidneys in high doses.
Last reviewed: · Türkçe
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