Rue is an ancient Mediterranean herb from the Balkans. Romans used it in spicy herb mixtures, and while it has mostly fallen out of favor due to its bitter flavor, it is still found today in Greek, Italian, and Ethiopian cooking. Early on, it was rumored to ward off witches and to be an antidote for poisoning. The Catholic Church adopted it as a cleansing “herb of grace” to dip in holy water to sprinkle over people’s heads as a blessing. Due to the Catholic presence in Latin America, La Ruda (as it is called in Spanish) became an important part of traditional folk medicine in the Caribbean and beyond. It is very powerful and must be treated carefully and with respect. #rutagraveolens #seedkeeping #laruda #rue https://www.instagram.com/p/CGk5dRnAhi9/?igshid=1r8pxuvh9ljxt
