Galega officinalis

Common name: Goat's Rue

Family: Fabaceae

Part used: Leaves and flowers

Habitat: Goat's rue is an erect hairless herbaceous plant, growing to 1m tall when flowering with pinnate leaves with pointed leaflets. Goat's rue is native to Europe and parts of Asia, but cultivated widely. The plant preferrs open sunny places and is drought and frost tender. 

Constituents: Alkaloids (notably galegine and peganine), triterpenoid saponins, beta-sitosterol, flavonoids, bitter compounds and tannins.

Actions: Hypoglycaemic, mild diuretic, galactagogue (promotes the production of breast milk)

Traditional and current uses:

• To promote the flow and volume of breast milk (the latin name 'gale' means 'milk' and 'ega' means 'to bring on')
• Insulin resistance and type 2 or late onset diabetes (with careful professional monitoring)

Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for educational use only, and is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified medical herbalist, doctor or licensed health practitioner. The information contained herein is not diagnostic, always consult a medical health professional before embarking on a treatment programme. Max Drake Medical Herbalist disclaims any liability, loss, injury or damage incurred as a consequence of the use and application of the advice given herein.