This perennial herb is considered sacred by many cultures and has been used in religious rituals for centuries. Easy to grow but best started indoors and transplanted in late spring, it functions as a natural pesticide in the garden. The flowers are small and yellow, and the plant grows to about 12 inches high. Rue has been used as a healing ally by placing the leaves directly on the area of illness, such as the head for a headache. When smelled, rue clears the mind and improves mental acuity, and has long been used in the bath to break curses or hexes against you. It’s believed that it protects against the evil eye, werewolves, and poisons. As a wash for the home, rue is believed to protect against all ills, and protect those who live within.