Goats Rue Galega officinalis
- Common Names
- Goat's Rue , French lilac, Italian fitch
- Botanical Name
- Galega officinalis
- Family
- FABACEAE
Medicinal Uses & Benefits of Goat's Rue
How to Use|
Side Effects |
Plant & Garden|
- Medicinal Uses: * Diabetes
- Properties: * Galactagogue * Hypoglycemic
- Parts Used: Arial parts
- Constituents: galegine (the anti-diabetic chemical in the plant), tannins, chromium.
How to Use: Goats Rue
The traditional use of Goats rue to treat diabetes has been a staple since the middle ages. Goats rue contains an alkaloid, galegine, that was found in clinical trials to decrease blood sugar and insulin resistance. This lead to the development of metformin, which is currently used in the treatment of diabetes. Studes in mice also point to a weight-reducing action for galega, that appears to involve a loss of body fat. 1
Other uses for goat's rue herb are in the treatment of rheumatism, bladder problems, fever, hard coughs, irregular menstruation, and as a galactagogue.1
The herb contains galegin, which affects blood sugar. The blood sugar-lowering effect of goat's rue herb has not been well documented. More study is needed on the potential uses of the ancient herbal medicine. It is not recommended for use as a primary therapeutic agent for treatment in severe diabetes. 2
Preparation Methods & Dosage :Traditionally taken as a tea
Goats Rue Side Effects: None noted
Plant Description
Native to the Caucasus, flowering to 4 feet tall. Bright green, compound foliage and upright racemes of lilac flowers. Does well in northern gardens.
Regional Traditions :European *
How to Grow Goats Rue
Full sun to part shade and alkaline, well-drained, mesic to dry soils. As a member of the pea family, it fixes nitrogen and improves soil.
History and Traditions & Folklore
Goats rue is a widespread herb used by many traditions worldwide. The common name goats rue stems from the unpleasant smell of the bruised leaves. It was one of the herbs used in Medieval Europe to treat plague victims, and as a vermifuge to treat parasitic worms. Here in North America, native healers considered goat's rue to be an aphrodisiac, a cure for impotence for men, and a healthy tonic.
Works Cited- Mountain Rose Herbs Goats Rue Profile
- . Galegae officinalis herba Geirautenkraut , The Commission E Monographs, (1993): A therapeutic application for diabetes mellitus, however, cannot be justified because of the uncertain effectiveness of the herb, the severity of the disease, and the therapeutic alternatives available.,
Looking for Aroma Therapy? Visit Annies Aroma Therapy
Looking for something you can read offline? Join our mailing list and get a free copy of Methods for Using Herbs. This free handbook includes instructions on how to make basic herbal preparations at home. It covers making herbal teas, herb infused oils and balms, tinctures, and more.