Rye: benefits, dosage, contraindications

Mis à jour le 7 November 2025

Rye is a cereal grain of the grass family, characterized by thin leaves borne on a firm, flexible stalk that can reach 2 meters in height. At the top of this hollow stem, the inflorescence is a single spike that produces elongated grains. Rye has historically been cultivated in cold regions on poor soils. The young rootlets (secondary roots) of rye are used in gemmotherapy. Rye is rich in zinc, iron, folates and various B vitamins. It is particularly useful for protecting the liver and for improving healing of the dermis and epidermis.

Scientific name(s)

Secale cereale

Family or group:

Plants

Active ingredients:

Zinc

Iron

Indications

Scoring methodology

EFSA approval.

Several randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials (> 2), including a significant number of patients (>100), with consistently positive conclusions for the indication.

Several randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials (> 2), including a significant number of patients (>100), with positive conclusions for the indication.

One or more randomized studies, or several cohorts or epidemiological studies, with positive conclusions for the indication.

Clinical studies exist but are uncontrolled, with conclusions that may be positive or conflicting.

No clinical studies to date that can demonstrate the indication.

Liver disorders
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The young rootlets of rye are used in gemmotherapy primarily for their effectiveness on the liver and the skin. They have a notable healing action on liver cells, particularly in the treatment of chronic hepatitis. This soothing and restorative property of rye facilitates the action of other plants such as juniper or rosemary, thereby improving their effectiveness on the liver.

Posologie

Oral use: rootlets

gemmotherapy

Synergies

Rosemary

Practical guide to family gemmotherapy - Dr MAX TETAU

Skin healing
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Rye helps promote the healing of skin cells, which is particularly beneficial in cases of psoriasis, and enhances the effectiveness of other gemmotherapy treatments.nn

Posologie

Orally: rootlets

gemmotherapy

Synergies

Cedar

Practical guide to family gemmotherapy - Dr MAX TETAU

Properties

Wound healing

Thanks to its richness in zinc and folates, it acts on the skin by helping to improve healing. Both in the dermis and the epidermis, the glycerinated rye macerate can be used preventively to limit the appearance of dermatoses and psoriasis.

Usages associés

Skin healing

Hepatoprotective

Rye contributes to liver regeneration and alleviates various disorders that impair liver function, such as elevated enzyme levels.

Usages associés

Liver disorders

Safe dosage

Adult: 25 drops - 50 drops (gemmotherapy)

The dosage is 25 to 50 drops per day.nn

Conseil scientifique