ENGLISH NAME: Goat’s Rue
LATIN NAME: Galega
officinalis
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Jestřabina
lékařská
Turkey: Keçi yoncası
Bulgaria: Жаблек
Georgia: სამკურნალო გალეგა
COUNTRY: Turkey,
Bulgaria, Czechia, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: South Moravia,
Labe Valley, Black Sea coast, Danube lowlands
Elevation: 100–1,000 meters
Terrain: Warm, humid
areas near rivers and meadows, often cultivated or growing wild along ditches
and fields
DESCRIPTION:
Goat’s Rue is an upright perennial herb that grows 60 to 120 cm tall. It
features pinnately compound leaves with numerous narrow leaflets and bears
pea-like flowers ranging in color from white to pink or violet. The blossoms
grow in dense, upright clusters and bloom from mid-summer into early fall. It
thrives in warm, moist conditions.
USABLE PARTS: Stem (aerial
parts)
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Traditionally used for its diuretic, galactagogue (milk-producing), and
anti-inflammatory effects. It has also been studied for its influence on blood
sugar regulation and was once a basis for the development of antidiabetic drugs
like metformin.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Can be toxic in large doses. Use under supervision, especially for internal or
long-term use. Not recommended during pregnancy without guidance.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
Often paired with nettle or fennel in galactagogue teas or included in diuretic
formulas with dandelion.
PREPARATION:
Aerial parts are dried and used in teas or tinctures. Should be used cautiously
and typically in professionally formulated blends.
HARVEST TIME:
Mid to late summer, during flowering when aerial parts are most potent.
HARVEST METHOD:
Cut stems just before full bloom. Harvest in the morning after dew has dried.
Avoid flowering parts that are overripe or insect-damaged.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Dry completely in a shaded, ventilated space. Store in airtight containers in a
cool, dark area. Best used within one year.