Meadow Rue, Thalictrum occidentale

Meadow Rue, Thalictrum occidentale, is a perennial flowering plant. The herb is in the Ranunculaceae (Buttercup) Family. Despite its name meadow rue, Thalictrum is unrelated to the Rue Family, Rutaceae. Meadow rue is native to the western US, growing from Alaska and western Canada to California, Wyoming, and Colorado. It grows in moist and shady habitats such as meadows and forest understory. Identification: Meadow rue grows to about 3 feet (0.9m) tall. The leaves of this herb are green in color, bipinnately compound and alternate. Leaves are divided into segments, often with three lobes, and grow on long petioles. The inflorescence is an upright or bent panicle of flowers, with male and female flowers growing on separate plants. The male flower is greenish white or purple, grows no petals, but instead has numerous dangling purple stamens. The female flower grows a cluster of up to 14 immature fruits with purple styles. Edible Use: The only edible parts of meadow rue are the roots and young leaves. These roots have a bitter flavor and are rarely eaten. Instead they are used as

remedies to treat different ailments. Young leaves of meadow rue can be cooked and consumed as spinach. Medicinal Use: Urinary Problems. A root decoction of meadow rue treats urinary problems. Reducing Fevers: Use a decoction from the roots or an infusion of the leaves to suppress fevers. Cleans and Purifies the Body: Meadow rue is a general tonic that purifies the blood and cleanses the body. Sores, Skin Infections, Piles: A poultice of meadow rue can be used to heal sores and skin infections. Crush and mash the root and leaves with a small amount of water for moisture. Apply the macerated herb to the area and cover it with a clean cloth to hold it in position. Kill Lice and Other Vermin: Wash the hair and other body areas infected with lice, crabs, or other vermin with freshly made and warm Meadow Rue Decoction. Leave it on the skin for 30 minutes, then rinse it well. It should totally eradicate the problem. Follow up with a nit comb after killing lice. Harvesting: Meadow rue can be harvested yearround. Uproot the plant then pluck off the young leaves and the roots. Wash the roots and the leaves and then dry them in a well-shaded place away from direct sunlight. Meadow Rue Decoction: You’ll need 1-ounce meadow rue roots and 1-pint (500ml) water. Crush or chop finely 1 ounce of meadow rue roots. Boil the root for 15 minutes or more to release the medicinal qualities into the water. Cool the decoction and strain it to remove the root fibers.

Meadow Rue, By Walter Siegmund, CC by SA 3.0 Female Flowers, photo by nordique, CC by SA 2.0