Description
Syrian Rue, Peganum harmala, is also known as Wild Rue and Isband. The seeds of Syrian Rue provide an Ayurvedic remedy for depression. The smoke of the seeds is used in ceremonial cleansing. The seeds have also been used as an intoxicant, a hallucinogen and an aphrodisiac in traditional Mediterranean cultures. The fruit yields a red dye, known as Syrian Red or Turkish Red, traditionally employed as the colouring in Persian rugs. Syrian Rue is native to the Mediterranean and central Asia. A desert plant, prefers dry sandy soils in an open sunny position. Drought and frost tolerant. A perennial plant growing to 1m x 0.5m.