Botanical Name: Galega officinalis

Plant Family: Leguminosae

Common Names:  Cheese Rennet, Italian Fitch, Pestilenzkraut

Origin: Goat's Rue is native to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean Region.

History: The German name Pestilenzkraut refers to 'its helpfulness in pestilence and plagues'.

Tradition: Goat's Rue was used:

• to cure the bites of serpents

Plant Constituents

Contains:

• bitter principle
• tannin

Usage

Medicinal Parts Used: Leaves, flowering tops

Goat's Rue is used for:

Gastrointestinal Conditions

• worms

Female Conditions

• increasing milk supply in nursing mothers

Metabolic Conditions

• diabetes
• lowers blood sugar levels (seeds)

Other 

• fevers

Externally a footbath containing Goat's Rue is good for:

tired, aching feet, especially from over walking

Action:

• diaphoretic [an agent that promotes perspiration]
• diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system]
• galactagogue [an agent that encourages or increases the secretion of milk]

Precautions

Drug Interactions

You should not use Goat's Rue without first talking to your health care professional if you are currently being treated with any of the following medications:

• None Known