How to Use Fresh Ruta to Treat a Torn Ligament in the Ankle

Sprains involve injuries to ligaments, the connective tissue between bones and joints. These ligaments can be stretched too far, typically because of a twisting force applied to a joint while it is bearing weight. A twisted ankle can be a very minor sprain which disappears within a few days, or it can be severe, involving a ligament tear. Symptoms include pain, swelling and bruising, and the ankle skin may feel warm or even hot to the touch. Ruta graveolens is an herb applied to sprains as a homeopathic method, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Things You'll Need

• Ice pack
• 4 oz. fresh Ruta
• 1 pint olive, safflower or vegetable oil
• 1 oz. beeswax (optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Begin with RICE therapy. Treatment for all sprains, including those involving homeopathy, starts with "rest, ice, compress, and elevate." Rest your ankle for 48 hours, apply an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time to decrease swelling, compress the swelling with an elastic bandage, and elevate your ankle. Keep your ankle elevated above the level of your heart if possible.

• 2

  Combine 4 oz. of fresh Ruta with 1 pint of olive, safflower, or other vegetable oil. You can substitute lard for the oil if you prefer. Warm the oil in a pan over very low heat, uncovered, for about 60 minutes. If you would like a Ruta ointment rather than an oil, add 1 oz. of beeswax to the mix at the very end of the warming time.

• 3

  Allow the mixture to cool, and then pour it into a bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid.

• 4

  Massage your ankle with your Ruta oil or ointment at least three times daily, and more often if you can. Although sprains usually begin healing within 48 hours, the pain from a torn ligament can linger for several weeks. Continue applying Ruta as long as you need to in order to speed healing.