# Rue essential oil

> Rue is a pungent, herbaceous single oil used sparingly in aromatic blends; it carries well-documented sensitivities that call for caution.

Canonical page: https://essential-oils.club/oils/single/rue

Type: Single oil

## At a glance

- **Botanical name:** Ruta graveolens
- **Plant part:** Leaves and stems
- **Extraction:** Steam-distilled
- **Aroma:** Sharp, bitter-green
- **Origin:** Mediterranean

## Composition

- 2-Undecanone (methyl nonyl ketone): 50%
- 2-Nonanone: 15%
- 2-Decanone: 6%
- 2-Dodecanone: 5%
- 1,8-Cineole: 3%

Source: JEOB study on Tunisian Ruta graveolens essential oil (2012) (https://doi.org/10.1080/0972060x.2012.10644047)

## Key constituents

- **2-Undecanone (methyl nonyl ketone)** (50-90%) — The dominant compound in rue oil, giving it its sharp, distinctive aroma

## How to use it

- **In the diffuser:** Diffuse just 1–2 drops occasionally in a well-ventilated room — never an everyday oil.
- **Use sparingly:** Traditionally used in very small amounts; avoid topical and internal use.

## Safety

- Rue can irritate skin and has documented toxicity concerns with topical or internal use — diffuse only 1–2 drops occasionally, avoid entirely during pregnancy, and keep it away from children.
- Maximum dermal use: Very low, if used at all — rue is phototoxic and toxic.
- Phototoxic — avoid UV exposure after topical use.
- Rue is phototoxic (contains furanocoumarins) — treated skin can burn in sunlight/UV; keep dilution very low and avoid sun for 12+ hours.
- Rue is also toxic and a traditional abortifacient — avoid during pregnancy entirely, and use only with expert guidance, if at all.
- Keep well out of reach of children.

## What the research says

- Rue oil has been studied for insecticidal and antimicrobial activity in the laboratory. Its notable feature for consumers is its toxicity and phototoxicity, not a health benefit — it should be treated as a specialist, high-caution oil. — JEOB study (2012) (https://doi.org/10.1080/0972060x.2012.10644047)

## Evidence

- Rue oil is dominated by 2-undecanone and related methyl ketones, and also carries phototoxic furanocoumarins — the basis of its strong safety cautions. — JEOB study (2012) (https://doi.org/10.1080/0972060x.2012.10644047)

## Frequently asked questions

### Is rue oil safe to use?

Rue is one of the higher-risk essential oils — it's both phototoxic and toxic, with a history as an abortifacient. It should be avoided during pregnancy entirely and used only heavily diluted with expert guidance, if at all.

### Why is rue phototoxic?

Like citrus peel and angelica root, rue contains furanocoumarins that react with UV light on skin, so treated skin can burn. Keep dilution very low and avoid sun exposure after any topical use.

### What is rue traditionally used for?

Historically rue has been used as an insect repellent and in folk medicine, but its toxicity means modern use is very cautious and specialist. It's not a beginner's oil.

_Educational reference only — not medical advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease._