Galega officinalis Goat's rue (Leguminosae)

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Galega officinalis
Goat's rue
(1 Page of 5)

The Galega officinalis plant species is found in S. Europe to W. Asia. Naturalized in S. Britain. It is a member of the Leguminosae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Goat's rue. Some home gardeners know the variety as G. bicolor. G. persica. G. tricolor.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
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Latin Name:  Galega officinalis
Common Name:  Goat's rue
Family:  Leguminosae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  A few reports exist, none of them in Britain, of toxicity to mammals[76], though the plant is often fed to cows and goats in order to increase their milk yield[238].

Mature Height:  1.2   Mature Width:  0.75

Habitat:  Scrub, woods, marshy fields and roadsides[187].

Medicinal Information: Goat's rue was once important in the treatment of plague, fevers and infectious diseases[238]. It is still used in modern herbalism, though mainly for its effect in promoting milk-flow in lactating mothers (it has been shown to increase the flow of milk in cows and goats by 35 - 50%[4, 7, 238]) and for its positive effect on the digestive system[238]. The plant contains galegine, an alkaloid that strongly reduces blood sugar levels which make it useful in the treatment of diabetes[254]. The leaves and flowering tops are diaphoretic, diuretic, galactogogue and hypoglycaemic[4, 7, 21, 165]. It has also been used in the treatment of fevers[4, 7]. It is taken internally to treat insufficient lactation, late-onset diabetes, pancreatitis and digestive problems, especially chronic constipation caused by a lack of digestive enzymes[238]. The plant is harvested as it is just coming into flower and is dried for later use[4]. Some caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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