Magical and popular veterinary uses of rue (Ruta L., Rutaceae) by shepherds in Eastern Spain

Abstract

Rue is a plant of Mediterranean origin which is widely used by shepherds to protect the sheep. Ruta chalepensis L. and Ruta angustifolia Pers. are the species studied in this context. This article documents the popular veterinary uses of rue as well as the importance this plant has in the shepherd world as a protector against witches, evil eye, and other evils, underscoring the protection strategies employed to fight these evils that have so concerned caregivers of herds. Semi-structured interviews of veteran shepherds are the basis of this paper.