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Butcher's Broom Root (dried, cut and sifted, 3 ounces)

Botanical Name: Ruscus aculeatus

Family: Liliaceae

---Synonyms---Kneeholy. Knee Holly. Kneeholm. Jew's Myrtle. Sweet Broom. Pettigree, box holly.

---Parts Used---Herb and root.

Folk History and Use

Butcher's Broom's name is derived from the stiff-jointed leaf-like twigs which were formerly used by butchers to clean their cutting boards.

Its medical applications involve the use of the root (rhizome), which has been found by ancient peoples and modern medicine alike to be one of nature's most potent remedies for a wide spectrum or circulatory ailments ranging from thrombosis and phlebitis to varicose veins and hemorrhoids. The root has been used medically as a diuretic, an anti-inflammatory, to prevent atherosclerosis and circulatory insufficiency.

Medical Properties

Definite Action

Antithrombotic (saponins)

Decrease capillary permeability (flavonoids and saponins)

Diuretic (saponins)

Anti-Inflammatory (saponins)

Possible Actions

Hepatonic (?)

Butcher's broom contains steroidal saponins as the primary active principles. They act on the blood vessels by stimulating the release of norepinephrine. This produces a vasoconstricting effect and decreases the capillary permeability. The production of norepinephrine lengthens the time required to clot the blood and thus explains its use to prevent postoperative thrombosis.

The vasconstricting effect makes it useful in reducing varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Its ability to decrease capillary permeability provides an anti-inflammatory effect. Heavy legs and swelling associated with menstruation, pregnancy and long term standing can produce pools of lymphatic fluid that can be affected by butcher's broom

The presence of flavonoids, like rutin, are known to generally strengthen blood vessels and reduce capillary fragility. This aids in the prevention of varicose veins.

The root also contains glycolic acid, which is a diuretic principle also found in parsley and juniper berries. Its mode of action is obscure, but probably irritates the kidney into a purge-cleanse cycle.

Many saponins are also diuretics, but the effect is not continuous ans eventually stops after about a week as cholesterin in the body neutralizes the saponoside. Butcher's broom is thus not a good long-term diuretic.

The use of butcher's broom is recommended as a long-term preventative for the above mentioned circulatory conditions s the root shows little toxicity when ingested over long periods of time. It is not hemolytic and does not affect blood pressure.

Typical Daily Usage

Fresh root: 1-2 tablespoons

Dried root: 1.5-3 gm

Extract: 2 gm dried root, 10 ml alcohol, 10 ml water

*Note: The descriptions of the products that we sell suggest traditional uses and are not intended to take the place of your Medical Doctor's advice and perscriptions. Many uses of these products are not accepted by the FDA, and not all uses have been scientifically validated. This is intended for educational purposes, and not as a means to diagnose, prescribe or treat disease.

* Note: images might vary slightly from actual product, see product title and description. Some items are available in multiple sizes (see below), the photos might only depict one of the available sizes.

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