Butchers Broom

( Western Herb )

Ruscus aculeate

Butchers broom is also known as Broom flowers, Broom tops, Sweet Broom, Irish Broom, Jew’s myrtle, Knee holly, Kneeholm, and Pettigree.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION:

This plant is an attractive, small-leafed evergreen shrub. It has almost leafless stems that are bright green.

It has greenish-white flowers and shiny red berries and grows to 3 feet in height. This herb is in the lily family and is cultivated in the Mediterranean and Europe.

This herb works particularly well to ease swelling and pain for people who are on their feet most of the day, such as doctors, salespersons, and teachers.

POTENTIAL BENEFIT:

* improves circulation

* tighten the circulatory system’s veins

* strengthen the capillary walls

* enhances blood flow to the brain, legs, and hands

TARGET AILMENT:

Take internally for:

* carpal tunnel syndrome

* lymph edema

* syphilis

* hemorrhoids

* orthostatic hypotension

* swollen ankles

* excess water retention

* varicose veins

* constipation

Use externally for:

* hemorrhoids

* varicose veins

* rectal inflammation

PREPARATION AND DOSAGE:

Over the counter: This herb is available in dry bilk, capsules, ointment, and tincture at health food stores or online.

Tea: Place 2 teaspoons of powdered root in 1 ½ pint of boiling water. Simmer slowly in a covered container for about 30 minutes. Drink tea cold, 2 to 3 Tablespoons, six times a day.

Compress: Soak a clean cloth in the Butcher’s broom tea, and apply to area.

Ointment: Apply small amounts of the ointment to hemorrhoids until inflammation is cleared.

Parts used: Root and stem

Collection: The aerial parts and the root of the plant are gathered when the herb is in bloom in the summer.

Constituents: Flavonoids, ruscogenin, nrueoscogenin, saponins

Actions: Cleansing, stimulates, astringent, anti-inflammatory

SIDE EFFECTS:

* At the recommended dosage, no side effects have been reported.

Serious:

* Large doses of Butchers broom can cause vomiting, purging, weakening of the heart, lowered nerve strength, and low blood pressure.

* Large doses have been reported to cause poisoning , and advanced stages of Toxicity, which can cause complete respiratory collapse.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:

* Suppositories and ointments including butchers broom are typically used for hemorrhoids, but most extracts are often combined with vitamin C or flavonoids.

* This herb is not recommended for those people with high blood pressure.