Posted by DramaChic at 65.170.76.40 on May 02, 2004 at 23:46:19:
In Reply to: (OT) A question for people who cook.... posted by Jami on May 02, 2004 at 01:16:52:
: And know their herbs. I love to grow stuff and tonight I bought an herb I haven't grown before called rue. I wondered what you use it in because the lable didn't say, just that it had pretty flowers and that it was an herb. Mom doesn't know - she's never heard of it before - and I wouldn't begin to know where to look. So does anyone know?
Your post aroused my curiosity because I use a lot of herbs in the kitchen, and I've never encountered rue. I googled, and is seems like it is rarely used in the kitchen, except in some ancient roman recipes I found. Here's some of the stuff I came across:
Also called "Herb of Grace" by Shakespeare. It is a strongly bitter aromatic herb, used by the Romans for relieving indigestion. It also makes a good eyewash, relieves flatulence, and helps abate menstrual difficulties. Don't use if you're pregnant or have poor kidney function. Also avoid the sun after taking it.
Rue
Grow Rue around the house to repel flies, stable flies and mosquitoes. This is an excellent insect repellent.
Apparently, it easily causes adverse effects in people when ingested, such as rashes and vomiting. Overall, my advice? Use it to keep pests away only :-)