The tea has traditionally been used to bring on suppressed menses. Rue is possessed of powerful volatile oils, flavonoids, coumarins and alkaloids. The oil of Rue is a powerful abortifacient, therefore the plant is best avoided during pregnancy. The plant has a powerful anti-spasmodic action, and so relaxes the gut, easing griping and bowel tension. The same action eases spasmodic coughs. It also increases peripheral circulation and lowers elevated blood pressure. If the fresh leaf is chewed, it will relieve tension headaches, ease palpitations and other anxiety problems. King's: Its action is chiefly directed upon the uterus, and is capable of exciting menorrhagia, inflammation and miscarriage. It has been successfully used in flatulent colic, hysteria, some nervous complaints, epilepsy, and as an excellent vermifuge. Rue is a stimulant to the genito-urinary tract, and, in small doses, might prove a remedy in atonic conditions of those parts. Owing to its affinity for the nervous system, it relieves irritation and pain when administered in small amounts. Grieve: Strongly stimulating and antispasmodic - often employed, in form of a warm infusion, as an emmenagogue. In excessive doses, it is an acro-narcotic poison, and on account of its emetic tendencies should not be administered immediately after eating. It forms a useful medicine in hysterical affections, in coughs, croupy affections, colic and flatulence, being a mild stomachic.

Clary sage can be used as a substitute for garden sage in all recipes. Clary sage yields an essence used in perfumery and distilling. The herb is also used to flavor liqueurs and wines, and for medicinal purposes, since it has proven stomachic, anti-perspirant, and emmenagogic properties. Sage stimulates the muscles of the uterus and so should be avoided during pregnancy. The genus name is derived from Latin salvere - to be saved, referring to its medicinal properties. The species name clary, from the Latin clarus, refers to clear-eye; the mucilaginous seeds - when soaked in water, were used to clear grit from the eyes. Sage is also a classic remedy for inflammations of the mouth, throat and tonsils, its volatile oils and mucilage soothing the mucous membranes. Used as a mouth wash for inflamed and bleeding gums, inflamed tongue or generalized mouth inflammation or ulcers. As a gargle it will aid sore throat. As a compress it promotes the healing of wounds. A valuable carminative used in dyspepsia. It reduces sweating when taken internally and may be used to reduce the production of breast milk. Grieve: It has mostly been employed in disordered states of the digestion, as a stomachic, and has also proved useful in kidney diseases. The seeds when soaked in water for a few minutes form a thick mucilage. In Jamaica, where the plant is found, it was much in use as a cooling and cleansing agent for ulcers, and also used it for inflammations of the eyes. A decoction of the leaves boiled in coco-nut oil was used to cure the stings of scorpions. Clary and a Jamaican species of Vervain form two of the ingredients of an aromatic warm bath sometimes prescribed there with benefit. Culpepper recommends a powder of the dry roots taken as snuff to relieve headache, and 'the fresh leaves, fried in butter, first dipped in a batter of flour, egges, and a little milke, serve as a dish to the table that is not unpleasant to any and exceedingly profitable.' The juice of the herb drunk in ale and beer, as well as the ordinary infusion, has been recommended as very helpful in all women's diseases and ailments.

Hyssop's herbal uses are largely attributable to the anti-spasmodic action of the volatile oil. It is used in coughs, bronchitis and chronic catarrh. Its diaphoretic properties makes it useful for its use in the common cold. As a nervine it may be used in anxiety states. Grieve: It admirably promotes expectoration, and in chronic catarrh its diaphoretic and stimulant properties combine to render it of especial value. It is usually given as a warm infusion, taken frequently and mixed with Horehound. Hyssop Tea is also a grateful drink, well adapted to improve the tone of a feeble stomach, being brewed with the green tops of the herb, which are sometimes boiled in soup to be given for asthma.

Grieve: As a stimulant it is useful as an emmenagogue. Is also employed in hysterical complaints, nervousness and lowness of spirits, and is a general tonic. The cold infusion is made from 1 OZ. of the herb to a pint of boiling water, allowed to cool, and taken frequently in doses of half a teacupful. A decoction with sugar or honey is said to be good for coughs, wheezing and difficult breathing.