Rue tea: clarify the main doubts about consumption

the rue (graveolens route) is popularly known for “shooing away the evil eye and bad vibes”. But, far beyond superstitions, rue tea usually raises doubts about its benefits and contraindications, especially with regard to consumption during pregnancy.

Some benefits are attributed to tea, such as its emmenagogue potential (to bring down menstruation), for example. However, as highlighted by Aparecida Monteiro (CRM 52669660), a gynecologist with a master’s degree in maternal and child health, a member of the Association of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Rio de Janeiro, pregnant women should always be advised not to use rue tea due to its potential effects. deleterious to pregnancy. Clarify below the main doubts about tea.

Experts clarify doubts about rue tea

Why should rue tea not be consumed by pregnant women? In addition to pregnant women, are there any other contraindications? Clarify the main doubts around the subject:

Does rue tea cause miscarriage? “We have described in the medical literature that some plants, such as Ruta graveolens – Rue, can have a contraceptive action, preventing pregnancy. But very little is detailed on the topic. One of the actions of this plant on the uterus is to cause contraction; therefore, under certain conditions, it may facilitate fetal loss or bleeding during pregnancy”, explains Aparecida.

Is there a safe dose for pregnant women to consume tea? Pregnant women should not consume rue tea, regardless of the amount. “It is difficult to reach a safe concentration of the plant in infusions, so that mother and fetus do not suffer toxic effects. A 2003 Uruguayan study found severe maternal intoxication when using rue for abortifacient purposes, corroborating another Mexican study that highlights important side effects resulting from the toxicity of this plant. The dose used for medicinal purposes is very close to the toxic dose”, emphasizes Aparecida.

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What are the contraindications of rue tea? “It is contraindicated for pregnant women because of its abortifacient activity as it stimulates contractions of the uterus and can also cause fetal malformation; for kids; for people with kidney, liver and inflammatory bowel problems”, answers Anna Carolina Diniz (CRN 16100966), a nutritionist with a postgraduate degree in Biofunctional Nutrition, Orthomolecular and Phytotherapy. It is also contraindicated for people who use anticoagulants or who have clotting disorders, as the gynecologist Aparecida adds.

Are there any risks in consumption (for those who are not pregnant)? “If consumed in excess, it can cause gastrointestinal cramps, mental confusion and diarrhea. Continued use of the herb can put a strain on the liver and kidneys. Therefore, ask your nutritionist or doctor before starting to use it”, warns Anna Carolina.

Does rue tea make menstruation stop? “Because it is rich in a flavonoid called Rutin, rue tea has emmanagogue activity, that is, it facilitates menstrual flow”, explains Anna Carolina.

What should a woman do if she drinks rue tea while she is pregnant? “You should immediately stop using it and inform the obstetrician”, replies Aparecida.

Anna Carolina reinforces that pregnant women should not consume rue tea because it stimulates uterine contractions and can cause abortion. “Also, it is not suitable for nursing mothers due to the lack of safety data,” she adds.

Such care with rue tea reinforces the importance of consuming it only if there is medical or nutritional monitoring.

6 benefits of rue tea

Discover the main benefits attributed to rue tea, according to nutritionist Anna Carolina:

Emmenagogue action: Aparecida points out that one of the uses attributed to tea is that it has the potential to be an emmenagogue substance (it makes menstruation go down).
Anthelmintic activity: Anna Carolina explains that tea helps to eliminate parasites. “It is antibacterial and antimycotic. It can be used as an antiparasitic in the treatment of scabies and lice,” she adds.
Anti-inflammatory: the nutritionist highlights that tea is a potent anti-inflammatory, and can be used in cases of bruises.
Antispasmodic action: rue tea can thus help relieve menstrual cramps.
Digestive properties: tea can help prevent gas and other discomfort from poor digestion.
Vasodilating action: because it is rich in rutin, tea also has a vasoprotective action, improving circulation.

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But be careful, warns Anna Carlina, because rue also has toxic potential. This reinforces the importance of consuming it only under the supervision of a doctor and/or nutritionist.

How to make rue tea

To prepare rue tea, the parts used are the leaves and flowers. It is recommended to prepare the tea by infusion. Check out the nutritionist Anna Carolina’s guidelines for preparation:

Ingredients

2 to 5 g of rue
1 liter of water

Preparation mode

Boil the water, turn off the heat and add the herb;
Let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes in a container with a lid;
Strain and serve immediately.

“Remembering that due to the toxicity of rue, a high consumption of tea is not recommended. Two cups are enough”, emphasizes Anna Carolina.

Now you know the benefits and contraindications of rue tea. Always consult a doctor or nutritionist to find out if this tea is really suitable for you. Also clarify your doubts about chamomile tea.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.