What the heck is "ruta grav"?

Question

Hi Folks,

I have badly sprained my ankle, and it hurts. I am limping about like a bagful of limping about things.

The pharmasist has sold me a tube of "ruta grav" to rub on the offending area.

What is it I ponder ?

Answer 1

It's a light ointment with a homoeopathic remedy in it.  It might do you some good - but it certainly won't do you any harm, unlike the rest of the stuff he sells.

Answer 2

Ruta (Rue-bitterwort)  is a homeopathic preparation that is used for complaints from straining flexor tendons (among other things). The ointment should help with the inflammation and the pain. It works very well for sciatica pain too.

So rub the offending area well, and feel better.

Answer 3

It's a homeopathic ointment claimed to be useful for sore muscles among other things.  (Your pharmacist has ripped you off.  There is a HUGE profit margin in homeopathic products.)  As the other answers have implied, it won't do any harm, but I would suggest it also won't do you any good.

By definition, homeopathic potions don't have any active ingredients. (The website I checked showed typical 30C preparations....which means there is no mathematical possibility that there is a single molecule of ruta to be found.)

Use ice, elevate your leg, try a light tensor bandage to help with the swelling.  ASA or Ibuprofen are both good anti-inflammatory painkillers that will work well.   You need a bit of time for the injury to heal...typically 2-4 weeks.

Answer 4

I THINK it's a Homoeopathic cream

Answer 5

It's a herbal preparation, in fact from the plant "Rue". Said to be a remedy for bruising of the lining of the bone with aching pains, rheumatism, injuries to tendons and sciatica.  Certainly won't do any harm, may even help.  You can also help yourself by observing RICE - rest, ice, compression & elevation, whenever you can.

Answer 6

The name Ruta is derived from the Greek meaning to ‘set free’ because the herb was so useful in so many diseases. Ruta grav. is a remedy for bruising of the lining of the bone with aching pains, rheumatism, injuries to tendons and sciatica.

It can be also good for eyestrain often caused by reading small print. Michelangelo believed along with other painters that it improved the eyesight.