Goat’s Rue
galega officinalis
Medicinal Actions
Alterative, Antiaggregant, Antidiabetic, Depurative, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Hepatoprotective, Hypoglycemic, Lactagogue, Sedative
Primary Conditions Treated
General Dosage
2 g herb/cup tea; 0.3–1.2 g powdered herb; 0.5–5 g aqueous extract; 1–2 ml liquid extract.
Safety & Contraindications
Not covered by AHP. “Hazards and/or side effects not recorded for proper therapeutic dosages”. Not approved; Commission E rates it negatively as both inefficacious and toxic. Intoxication possible with high doses of the drug; most preparations with biguandine derivatives have been withdrawn from the market. Poisoning observed only in animals ingesting large quantities; sheep may exhibit paralysis, salivation, spasms, and finally death through asphyxiation. Since Goat’s Rue contains hypoglycemic compounds, it might interact with hypoglycemic medications, one way or another.