Syrian Rue – 10 Seeds

Syrian Rue(Peganum harmala) is a perennial, herbaceous plant, with a woody underground rootstock. It has deep roots and a strong smell, finely divided leaves and white flowers. The plant usually reach a height of between 0.3m – 0.8m. The roots of the plant can reach a depth of up to 6.1m and once planted can be very difficult to remove, so it is advisable to instead grow the plant in large containers.

Although it looks a little bit like common rue, it is not related to rue at all. It is native to a vast region across North Africa, southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of South and East Asia. It grows in dry, often saline or disturbed habitats, thriving from sea level to high elevations.

It has been used in traditional medicine and as a ritual and psychedelic plant for centuries in Central Asia, the Middle East, and Caucasus areas. All parts of the plant contain alkaloids. The seeds contain β-carbolineses (harmine, harmalol and harman) with the active hallucinogen being the alkaloid harmine.

Common Names: Wild rue, Syrian rue, African rue, Esfand, Espand and Harmel.

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Syrian Rue Medicinal Uses

• Used in the treatment of respiratory issues, nervous system disorders, stomach complaints, urinary and sexual disorders, epilepsy, menstrual problems, mental and nervous illnesses.
• It is also used to expel intestinal parasites.

Caution: Ingestion of plant preparations containing beta-carboline alkaloids may result in toxic effects, including visual and auditory hallucinations, locomotor ataxia, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and agitation. It should not be taken by pregnant women, as it is also an Abortifacient.

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Growing Syrian Rue:

Indoor Sowing: Late Spring.

Direct Sowing: Not Recommended.

• Use a deep container, as even small seedlings will produce very thin, long roots, making transplanting difficult.
• Surface sow the seeds on a moist soil mix consisting of 50% sand and 50% potting soil or compost.
• Tamp the seeds down so that they make good contact with the soil.
• Do not cover the seeds with soil, as they need light to germinate.
• Place the container in a warm area where there is filtered sun.
• Keep the soil moist, but not wet.
• Optimum germination temperature is about 21 – 30 degrees Celsius.
• Germination can take 1 month or much longer, so patience is required.
• Only water the seedlings once the soil is dry, as they are prone to damping off.
• Transplant seedlings only once big enough to handle.
• Plant out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer.
• Needs full sun and a well-drained to dry, poor soil.
• Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil.
• Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils.