Discover the Potential of Goats Rue

Goats rue has been empirically used since the 16th century to heal diverse afflictions, such as poisonous animal bites. However, its actual properties have only been discovered in the last decades.

Goats Rue Scientific Facts

1. Scientific Name – Galega officinalis L.
2. Other Names – Common goat’s rue.
3. French – Galega officinal.
4. Spanish – Galega.
5. Environment – Wet meadows and stream banks of eastern and southern Europe. It is cultivated in northern Europe and North America.
6. Description—This is a vibrant plant of the Leguminosae family, growing from 0.5 to 1 m high. It has symmetric leaves formed by 11-19 point-tipped folioles. Its lilac, white, or pink flowers are pretty exuberant.
7. Parts of the plant used medicinally – The whole plant is dry when blooming.

Healing Properties

Goats rue contains saponins, tannin, a bitter component, flavonic glycosides, an alkaloid (glargine), and glycoquine (plant insulin). Its three main indications are the following:

1. Galactogenic—According to Font Quer, goat rue has been proven to increase milk production in cows from 35 to 50 percent. It also renders good results for breastfeeding women but is not so spectacular. This plant does not produce any side effects on babies.
2. Diuretic – With a mild, well-tolerated effect.
3. Hypoglycemic—According to recent research, goat rue decreases the glucose level in the blood of people with diabetes, though the results are too variable. It is recommended that the plant be administered under medical supervision.

Warning

Only use dry plants since they can have irritant effects when fresh.

How to use Goats Rue

1. Infusion with 20 to 30 grams of dry leaves and flowers per liter of water. These leaves and flowers must have been gathered when the plant was still blooming. Drink two cups daily, which can be flavored by adding a teaspoonful of anise fruit to the infusion.

DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.

REFERENCES

1. George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 632. Print.
2. Johnson’s Nursery: https://kb.jniplants.com/goats-rue-tephrosia-virginiana

Last update on 2025-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API