Virginian Goat’s Rue, Tephrosia virginiana (but sometimes labelled Tephrosia virginica, T. latidens, Cracca latidens or C. virginiana), is also called Catgut or Devil’s Shoestring. It’s an extremely hardy perennial native to the Western United States. It is not related to the similarly named (European) Goat’s Rue.
Do not collect from the wild; it is listed as engangered in New Hampshire and of special concern in Rhode Island.
Virginian goat’s rue is difficult to propagate because it does not take well to transplanting, and is hard to raise from seed due to its complex ecological requirements. If you do manage to get it to grow, it will reach a height of a little under 2 feet (50cm). It prefers acid soil. Its roots contain rotenone, which is poisonous to fish and insects (but not warm-blooded animals or humans), so it should not be grown close to a pond.
The seeds should not be taken, as they are toxic. Take care when handling Virginian goat’s rue, as it can cause dermatitis in sensitive people.
Virginian goat’s rue is mainly used as a male restorative and enhancer in cases of impotence. Make a cold extract by immersing 1 teaspoonful of dried leaves (2 teaspoonfuls of fresh) in 190 ml (three quarter US cup, 6 fl oz) of cold water for 10 hours. Strain before use. The dose is three quarters of a cup per day.
As with all herbs grown for use in herbal remedies, Virginian goat’s rue should be grown organically so as to avoid adulteration of the active ingredients by foreign chemicals. To find out more about growing organic herbs visit the Gardenzone.
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When a mans sexual performance starts to become an issue it is normal for him to start avoiding intimacy with his partner, this lack of communication in turn leads to resentment which magnifies the relationship problems. This is often due to the majority of men feeling uncomfortable discussing erectile dysfunction largely as we see it as a personal failing rather than a medical problem. Women can and do share sexual health problems readily with their friends and colleagues. In doing so, they will alleviate their own concerns and share solutions.
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The wikipedia article about this herb says that high quantities were toxic to rats, and also that it LOWERED testosterone levels. This does not sound like it would be much help. As it contains bioflavonoids it may confer some health benefits, and in an area where the diet may in the past have been poor, this may account for its reputation in Thailand as an aphrodisiac.