Rue Tea For Menstruation + Impact On Fertility And Pregnancy

Rue (Ruta graveolens) is a small, perennial shrub native to southern Europe and North Africa. It has been used traditionally for a variety of medicinal purposes, but there is limited scientific evidence to support its use for any health condition.

Purported Health Benefits of Rue Tea

It’s important to reiterate that while there are purported benefits associated with rue tea, they are not backed by strong scientific evidence. This means there’s no guarantee and the field hasn’t been thoroughly studied.

Here are some purported benefits of rue tea:

• Menstrual cramps: Rue tea has been traditionally used to alleviate menstrual cramps, but there’s little scientific evidence to support this claim [1].
• Digestive issues: Some claim rue tea helps with digestion, but again, lacks scientific support.
• Arthritis: Rue tea has been used historically for arthritis pain, but there’s no reliable evidence to confirm its effectiveness.
• Wound healing: Some believe rue tea promotes wound healing, but this hasn’t been scientifically proven.

Remember, these are just unproven claims, and ingesting rue tea can be dangerous due to its documented side effects.

Instead of relying on unverified information, always consult a healthcare professional before considering any herbal remedy, including rue tea. They can guide you towards safe and scientifically supported options for your health concerns.

Rue Tea for menstrual cramps

According to a study [2], Common Rue (Ruta graveolens L.) has been referenced as one of the herbs used traditionally for women’s menstrual health, such as relieving cramps during periods possibly due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

The use of herbal medicine in treating women’s menstrual issues across various regions globally is attracting the curiosity and interest of many, especially women who want to depend less on modern medicine. Researchers have compared the prevalence of menstrual diseases and identified commonly used herbs.

Other Herbs for menstrual diseases

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)
• Common Rue (Ruta graveolens L.)
• Angelica sinensis (Angelica sinensis)
• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill)
• Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don (Catharanthus roseus)

While some historical or traditional uses may exist for rue tea in managing menstrual health [1], it’s crucial to rely on evidence-based information for making informed decisions about your health.

If you’re experiencing menstrual cramps or other menstrual health concerns, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional. They can assess your situation and recommend safe and effective options for managing your symptoms. These options may include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are often effective in managing menstrual cramps.

• Hormonal birth control: Birth control pills, patches, or rings can regulate your menstrual cycle and potentially reduce cramps.
• Heat therapy: Applying a heating pad to your lower abdomen can help relieve cramps.
• Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular exercise, and managing stress can all contribute to improved menstrual health.

Remember, your health and safety are paramount. Always prioritize evidence-based recommendations from qualified healthcare professionals when making any decisions about your well-being.

Rue Tea impacts on fertility

Due to the established toxicity, documented risks, and the absence of any evidence-based support, rue should not be considered an option for improving or maintaining fertility.
Here’s why:

1. Established Toxicity: As previously mentioned, rue contains harmful compounds like harmaline and harmine, linked to various adverse effects. These effects can potentially disrupt hormonal balance, essential for healthy fertility in both men and women.

2. Potential Miscarriage: Rue is known to induce miscarriage, posing a significant risk to pregnancy and potentially harming the mother and fetus [3].

3. Lack of Research on Fertility: No reliable scientific studies exist to demonstrate the safety or effectiveness of rue tea or extract for promoting fertility.

Is Rue Tea safe for pregnant women

No! Rue tea is extremely dangerous to consume during pregnancy.

Rue contains chemicals that can cause the uterus to contract, leading to a miscarriage. It has historically been used to try to induce abortions, but it is a very dangerous method that has even led to death for the woman [4, 5].

Here’s why rue is so harmful during pregnancy:

• Abortifacient: It can cause strong uterine contractions that may lead to miscarriage.
• Toxicity: Rue contains substances that are toxic to both the mother and the developing fetus.

If you are pregnant, please avoid rue tea entirely. There are far safer and more effective ways to manage any health concerns you might be experiencing. It’s important to consult your doctor for advice and recommendations that are safe during pregnancy.

Rue Tea’s potential side effects

Can be toxic and before consumption, here are some of the potential dangers of Rue you should consider:

• Stomach upset: Rue can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

• Nervous system problems: Rue can cause seizures, tremors, and paralysis.
• Liver damage: Rue can damage the liver.
• Miscarriage: Rue can cause miscarriage in pregnant women [6].

If you are considering using Rue, it is important to talk to your doctor first. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits of using Rue and determine if it is right for you.

Here are some scientifically-backed alternatives to rue tea that may offer similar health benefits:

• Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea is a popular herbal remedy that is often used to relieve anxiety and promote relaxation.
• Peppermint tea: Peppermint tea may help to relieve nausea, vomiting, and indigestion.
• Ginger tea: Ginger tea may help to relieve nausea and vomiting.

JC

JC is passionate about finding the impact of foods (feeding habits) on human fertility and reproductive health and a way to improve fertility.