Butcher's Broom

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Butcher's Broom

Other Names : Ruscus aculeatus, Box holly, jew’s myrtle, kneeholy, knee holly, kneeholm, pettigree, sweet broom, Muisdoorn
The rhizome and young stem are used in the medical preparation but sometimes the whole plant is used in the preparation of some particular herbal medicines.

Special Precautions of Butcher's Broom

  • Consumption of butcher's broom is not recommended in the presence of hypertension or during pregnancy. Sparteine may increase uterine contraction and thus is not recommended when hypertension or pregnancy is present.
  • Butcher's broom may trigger mild side effects, such as upset stomach and diarrhea.
  • INTERACTIONS . Concomitant administration of butcher's broom and an MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitor is not recommended. MAO inhibitors are drugs used to treat depression which work by inhibiting monoamine oxidase in the brain. Because butcher's broom contains tyramine, a phenolic amine derived from tyrosine, the combination of this herb with an MAO inhibitor may lead to an unfavorable effect on blood pressure. Additionally, taking butcher's broom in combination with certain medications (such as blood-thinning drugs) may be harmful to your health. Therefore, it's important to seek medical advice if you're considering the use of butcher's broom supplements.

The benefits of Butcher's Broom are

  • Edema of the legs. This herb is particularly useful for people who are on their feet for a long period of time in the course of a day. By drawing water out of cells and perhaps inhibiting electrolyte reabsorption in the kidney, butcher's broom helps to alleviate excess water retention in the feet and legs.
  • Leg discomfort. Butcher's broom contains compounds closely resembling steroids which help to reduce inflammation.
  • Peripheral vascular disease. By increasing circulation of the blood, butcher's broom may be of benefit in the treatment of disorders characterized by reduced circulation. Raynaud's disease (Raynaud's phenomenon) & Buerger's Disease are two such disorders.
  • Hemorrhoids. Butcher's broom is frequently combined with Witch Hazel as an ointment. When applied locally to the anus, butcher's broom may bring about tremendous relief from the pain of hemorrhoids.
  • Bronchial asthma. It has been reported that butcher's broom, when combined with black- or green-leaf tea, may improve inhalation and exhalation.
  • Poison immunity. Scientists have discovered that sparteine, one of the main components in butcher's broom, inhibits the proteins in snake venom and thus is a potent treatment for detoxification of some snake bites.
  • Varicose veins. Due to vasoconstriction and steroidal content, butcher's broom may help to alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of varicose veins. (See Vasoconstrictor)
  • Hypotension. Butcher's broom raises blood pressure and thus is a good treatment for individuals suffering from chronic hypotension. Sparteine extends the rhythmical expansion of the cavities of the heart during which they fill with blood and hence there is an increase in diastolic blood pressure.
  • Miscellaneous. Jaundice, functional disorders of the heart, kidney disorders.