Goat’s rue, often called galega, French lilac, Italian fitch, or its scientific name Galega officinalis, is a part of the Fabaceae (pea) family. Goat’s rue is an aggressively invasive perennial toxic to animals but not humans. Goat’s rue, not to be mixed up with rue (Ruta graveolens), can be identified by its purple, blue, or white flowers that grow on its pea-like stalk. Each flower produces one seedpod, which contains nine bean-shaped seeds upon blossoming. Another identifying feature of goat’s rue is its compound leaves, containing 6 to 10 pairs of leaves on each side and a single leaflet at the tip.   

You might need goat’s rue if . . .  

• You want to support healthy circulation.
• You want to increase your milk supply.
• You want to maintain a healthy weight.

Benefits of Goat’s Rue 

•  Antioxidant properties 
• Anti-inflammatory properties 
• May support healthy circulation 
• May support healthy blood sugar levels
• May promote liver health 

Common Ways to Use Goat’s Rue 

 You can find goat’s rue in dried bulk, pills, powders, teas, extracts, or tinctures.

Safety Concerns  

 According to mainstream sources like WebMD, there isn’t enough reliable information to know if goat’s rue is safe or what the side effects may be. For this reason, they caution against goat’s rue during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Additionally, they state that although no harmful effects have been reported in humans, fatal poisonings have occurred in grazing animals after large quantities of goat’s rue consumption. 

Although trusted herbalist Richard Whelan has no information on goat’s rue, Mountain Rose Herbs says there are no known precautions.

Drug Interaction: If you have any health concerns or are taking any prescription medication, please consult with your healthcare provider before adding new herbs to your diet.  

Breastfeeding and Pregnancy: There is not truly enough reliable information available. Yet many people do use it, claiming it supports and increases lactation. 

Select Studies About Goat’s Rue 

Goat's Rue

Goat's rue is a plant that contains compounds that might lower blood sugar. It is also used in some places to help nursing mothers produce milk, but little scientific evidence supports its effectiveness or safety. Since dietary supplements like goat's rue aren't closely regulated by the FDA, they may not always contain what they claim or be safe for everyone, especially those on diabetes medications. 

Uses of Goat's Rue

"Galega officinalis plant has been known since the Middle Ages as a folk remedy for relieving the symptoms of diabetes mellitus. The active ingredient in this plant that decreases blood sugar by decreasing insulin resistance is galegine or isoamylene guanidine."