Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus L.)

Support for Blood Circulation

Butcher’s Broom Background and Benefits

Butcher´s broom, known scientifically as Ruscus aculeatus, is a flowering plant that also has many other common names such as box holly, knee holly, kneeholm, jew’s myrtle, pettigree and sweet broom. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family, which includes asparagus. The young shoots of butcher’s broom may also be prepared and eaten like asparagus.

Butcher’s broom originates from Central Europe, although it is now cultivated throughout Europe and the Mediterranean region. It grows best in full sun with moist soil, and the ideal growing temperature for butcher’s broom is between 40 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Butcher’s broom is a small shrub that can grow to a height of one foot. The leaf-like structures that grow on the primary stems are actually flattened stems known as cladophylls. Tiny flowers grow on the cladophylls in late winter and spring and are usually green or white in color. These flowers will eventually develop into red berries.

The use of butcher’s broom in herbal medicine is more than 2,000 years old and was first documented in ancient Greece. However, it was only until the 1950s that butcher’s broom was used in western herbal medicine and its popularity has increased dramatically since the 1970s. The root-like rhizomes and young stems are the most valuable part of the plant in herbal medicine, although some preparations use the entire plant.

The intended use of Butcher’s broom in herbal medicine is generally to constrict the veins and strengthen capillary walls. Researchers believe that this effect is primarily caused by ruscogin, which is one of the most pharmaceutically active components in butcher’s broom extract. This extract also contains many other steroidal saponins that may account for this herb’s effects.

Uses of Butcher’s Broom

Support for the circulatory system is one of the most common reasons for taking butcher’s broom extract. Related uses of this dietary supplement include the management of swelling and healthy artery function.

Circulation support

Butcher’s broom may help maintain healthy circulation. It is often combined with other ingredients such as hesperidin and vitamin C.

Swelling management

A combination of butcher’s broom extract, vitamin C and hespirin may also help to manage swelling in the arms. This regimen may last for up to 90 days.

Healthy artery function

Supplements containing butcher's broom may help to support healthy artery function.

Healthy inflammation management

The tannins and flavonoids in butcher’s broom may help to support healthy inflammation management in the vascular system

Signs You May Need Butcher’s Broom

The most significant signs that you may need butcher’s broom are related to poor circulation, especially in the legs. These symptoms primarily include cramps, heaviness, itching, discomfort and swelling. Additional signs of unhealthy circulation include hemorrhoids, varicose veins and restless leg syndrome. Butcher’s broom may also help with water retention and constipation, as well as alleviating dark circles under the eyes.