iii: Notes from the Brew Room
External and internal nurturing Ann King
Goat’s Rue (Galega officinalis) is native to the Middle East but, like many herbs, was introduced to this country in the 16th century as an important herbal remedy, becoming naturalised within a few decades. It now seems particularly at home around railway embankments. As a member of the Fabaceae (Pea) family it enjoys similarities to its distant cousin Lathyrus odoratus (Sweet Pea), but it doesn’t carry the same glorious fragrance notes, although it also known as French Lilac. Bruising leaves of this delicate little plant, however, will conjure a noxious odour. Nonetheless, we suggest using the undeniably soothing Goat’s Rue flower for its decorative appeal— preferably in amongst those highly fragrant Sweet Peas. Goat’s Rue may look delicate and hold positive status in herbal tradition, but we also need to
heed the notes on toxicity that sit alongside. As well as encouraging milk flow and countering diabetes, Goat’s Rue was used to expel stomach worms in animals, and records suggest the importance of attention to dosage to avoid fatality rather than to achieve cure. Bartram (2015) refers to a hot water infusion with Fenugreek seeds and flowering Goat’s Rue to stimulate milk flow, but we have developed two foolproof products, with nurturing very much in mind. External nurturing John Parkinson called for ‘fresh herbe boyled and made into a poultis, and applied to the breasts of women that are swollen with paine and heate…’. We developed this into a poultice for discomfort in the breast, which can be adapted for use in any area of mild inflammation, using Groundsel (Senecio
