Botanical Name: Galega officinalis

Common Name:

English: Rue Goat
Also, known as: Professor’s weed, French lilac, Italian fitch, Goat’s rue, Spanish sanfoin and False indigo, Goats Rue

Origin: Albania

Harvested: Wild or cultivated

Parts Used: Dried leaves, stems and flowering tops

General Information:

Galega officinalis is an herbaceous plant in the Faboideae subfamily with white, blue, or purple flowers that grow over three feet high. It is multi-stemmed with alternate pinnately compound leaves. Leaves are alternate, long-stalked, stipulate, blade pinnate, in 3–9 pairs, with terminal leaflet. Leaflets ovate to lanceolate, often sharp-pointed, with entire margins. Stipules narrow, with hastate base. Purple to white pea-like flowers is arranged in terminal or axillary racemes. The flowers are hermaphrodite; have both male and female organs and are pollinated by insects. These flowers give way to fruits, which are short pods containing up to 9 seeds.

It was believed to increase the milk yield of domesticated animals, which is the origin of its scientific name: gale, ‘milk’ and ega ‘to bring, cause’ – so it is the milk-bringer. Although now considered a weed, goat's rue was introduced into the United States in 1891 as forage for livestock.

Be careful not to confuse Rue goat’s or Goat's rue (Galega officinalis) with Rue (Ruta graveolens).

How to use:

Hot Infusion:

The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:

You can sweeten your herbal tea with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.
You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice trays or pop molds.

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY.

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Goat's Rue Herb Cut