Mother-of-pearl (Ruta graveolens) is one of the most well-known herbs in the folk medicine and magical tradition of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its use is multifaceted, mainly used to purify the home space and the human body from negative forces. The mother-of-pearl is a plant of Mediterranean origin, growing in places with a dry climate. Because of its specific smell, the herb is also used in Bosnia as an insect repellant, and traditionally at least one sprig is kept in the wardrobe next to the clothes. The mother-of-pearl was known for its apotropaic qualities among the Illyrians, Greeks and Romans, being used to ward off evil forces and treat various health problems. The remnants of these ancient beliefs are preserved in folk medicine, where, for example, it is claimed that the herb successfully cures all heart diseases. Even Shakespeare himself gave the mother-of-pearl the unusual name “god’s mercy” because of the ritual practice of soaking a sprig of it in water and sprinkling it on possessed people. In some Mediterranean cultures, the plant is widely used in cooking because of its rich vitamin C content. In Bosnia, mother-of-pearl is added to brandy, thus improving digestion. Herb against diseases and evils In addition to its many medicinal uses, the herb occupies a prominent place in folk beliefs and as a means of combating evil forces, mainly because of its smell, as well as the unusual appearance of its leaves, which resemble an outstretched human palm. This was reason enough for it to gain fame as a plant that protects against evil. Traditionally in Bosnia, mother-of-pearl or mother-of-pearl is cultivated in homes, near the front door, because of the belief that in this way it will protect the home and its inhabitants from...
