Known as Figel (Fiegel) or sadhab (السذاب) in the Arab world, the street leaves come from the Ruta graveolens, a small Mediterranean shrub with a powerful and instantly recognisable scent. It is one of the most iconic plants of the the tradition of roqya : In Morocco, as in many Arab-Muslim countries, it is prepared as a paste, in the same way as henna, for external use only.
At Black cumin oil, we select natural, dried, whole rue leaves – free from additives and untreated – so that you can prepare your own remedies in the traditional way.
Rue officinale, a plant with a strong character
La Garden Street — also known as stinking rue, medicinal rue or «herb of grace» — belongs to the Rutaceae family, like citrus fruits. Native to the Balkans and the Mediterranean basin, it has become naturalised wherever the climate is hot and dry: Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. It is recognisable by its highly branched stems, its small, finely serrated bluish-green leaves and, above all, its intense fragrance.
That very distinctive smell is no coincidence: it has earned the street a long-standing reputation for repellent plant, planted near the vegetable gardens to keep insects and pests at bay. It is also this tree that, over the centuries, has shaped the unique place of the Figel in the traditional practices of the Maghreb and the Middle East, where the plant is grown in gardens as well as being used in its dried form at home.
A special place within the tradition of roqya
In customary practice relating to the occult evil (sihr, the evil eye), rue leaves have a very specific use: they are used externally, never internally. According to tradition, it is precisely their lingering scent that has led them to be associated with the protective and healing practices of roqya, alongside other traditional remedies such as jujube leaves (sidr), senna (sana makki) and oils blessed with verses from the Qur’an.
It is not a remedy in the medical sense: roqya is primarily a matter of spiritual dimension. The process begins by placing one’s trust in Allah, accepting the trial with patience, and then seeking out the means prescribed in accordance with the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Plants such as Figel form part of this traditional framework, complementing — but never replacing — the recitation of the Qur’an and, for any health concerns, medical advice.
A traditional paste-based preparation, similar to henna
Crush the amount of dried leaves Process in a pestle and mortar or food processor until a coarse powder is formed.
Add water gradually until you have a smooth paste, with a texture like henna.
According to customary practice, the paste is applied once a week on the body (stomach, thighs, sensitive areas), always avoiding the face, hair and mucous membranes. Rinse off after application.
Figel joins the ranks of other classics in the tradition
In households that follow these customs, street sheets are rarely used on their own. They form part of a traditional ensemble which has been passed down from generation to generation and combines plants, oils and readings from the Qur’an:
- Coranised olive oil, traditionally used for massaging areas of tension in the evening.
- L'Egyptian black cumin oil, the famous habba sawda mentioned in the prophetic tradition, often mixed with olive oil (around 60 ml per litre) for massages.
- Le black musk, worn daily as is customary, prized for its deep scent.
- Jujube leaves (sidr) : a small handful of ground herbs in 1.5 litres of water, traditionally used for washing in the morning, either lukewarm or cold.
- Senna (sana makki), traditionally consumed as a mild infusion — just a pinch per cup. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or anyone with a sensitive digestive system; seek advice from a healthcare professional before consumption.
- Natural street signs, prepared as a dough using the method described above.
Good to know: the plant is also available in liquid form. Our Moroccan rue oil (Figel oil) offers a practical alternative to the leaves for localised applications, with the same distinctive scent.
Precautions for use — please read before use
- The street is a powerful plant : it is reserved for a for external use only and should not be consumed. In high doses, it is recognised as toxic.
- Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and for children, even for external use.
- Have a skin test on a small area 24 hours before the first application, and avoid exposing the treated areas to sunlight: the plant is known to be photosensitising.
- Do not apply to the face, scalp, mucous membranes or broken skin.
- If you have any doubts, are currently undergoing treatment or experience any side effects, seek advice from a healthcare professional. Keep out of the reach of children; store in a dry place away from light.
Why choose Huiles de Nigelle’s Rue Leaves?
FAQ — Natural Street Maps (Figel)
What does «Figel» mean, and what plant is it?
Figel (or fijl) is the name given in the Maghreb to the Ruta graveolens, rue officinale, also known as sadhab (السذاب) in Arabic. It is an aromatic Mediterranean shrub whose dried leaves have long been used in the traditions of Morocco and the Arab-Muslim world, particularly within the customary practice of roqya.
Why do the leaves on the street smell so strongly?
Rue is naturally rich in highly volatile aromatic compounds, hence its nickname «stinking rue». This persistent, camphor-like scent is what defines it: it is reputed to repel insects in the garden, and it is also the reason for the plant’s traditional use in protective rituals. Once the paste has been rinsed off, the scent gradually fades.
How should rue leaf paste be measured out?
There are no strict measurements: simply prepare enough to cover the desired areas, by crushing the leaves and then gradually adding water until you achieve a henna-like consistency – neither too runny nor too thick. Prepare the paste as you go along rather than in advance, and limit yourself to one application per week, in keeping with traditional practice.
Are street leaves edible?
No. The street is recognised as toxic in high doses, and our Figel sheets are intended for for external use only, applied to the skin as a paste. They must not be eaten or used to make an infusion. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and children should refrain from using them, and professional advice is recommended if in doubt.
What is the difference between rue leaves and rue oil?
Both come from the same plant, the Ruta graveolens. The dried leaves require preparation at home (using a water-based paste) and cover large areas of the body, whilst Figel oil, which is ready to use, is better suited to localised applications. Many families use both formats in combination, always for external use and with the same precautions.
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