Chinese name: rue, Latin name Ruta graveolens L. Alias: seven miles, vanilla, rue grass, small lemongrass, wild rue grass, lime grass, stinking grass

Rue (scientific name: Ruta graveolens L.): Rutaceae, rue genus stem base woody perennial herbs, developed root system, branching roots, root skin light sulfur yellow. Plants up to 1 m high, each part has a strong special smell. Leaves pinnately compound, gray-green or bluish green. Flowers golden yellow, style short, ovary with many ovules per locule. Pericarp with raised oil dots; seeds very numerous, reniform, brownish-black. flowering in March-June and late winter, fruiting in July-September.

This species is native to the Mediterranean coastal areas. It is cultivated in north and south China, mostly in pots.

The stems, branches and leaves of this species are used as herbal medicine. It has the effect of clearing heat and removing toxins, cooling the blood and dispersing blood stasis. The main treatment for colds and fever, wind and fire toothache, headache, bruises and sprains. The branches and leaves are used externally to rub the skin to cause skin redness and swelling. It is also an excitatory stimulant, mainly stimulating the uterus and nervous system, and should not be taken by pregnant women.

The unique scent of rue has an insecticidal effect and can be used to repel flies; the bright yellow flowers can add color to flowerbeds or be made into dried flowers, which is also a good material for flower arrangements. Rue is suitable for planting in a slightly shady place, as long as it is well drained, i.e. there is no need to choose the soil, and it can be easily cultivated by sowing seeds directly in the spring or by sticking them in a branch. Rue is also the national flower of Lithuania.