Butcher's Broom

Description: This plant got its name because its twigs resembles the brushes butchers used for cutting blocks. Butcher's broom is native to the Mediterranean. This herb contains a compound called rusco-genins which act as vasoconstrictors and anti-inflammatories.

Parts Used: Rhizome

Common Use: Butcher's broom is commonly used for treating venous disorders such as hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Women shave reported that this herb has helped reduce the chances of varicose veins after standing all day.

Origin: Europe

Active Substances: Saponin glycosides (ruscogenins)

Standard: 10% ruscogenins

Pharmacology:

Active Properties:

Directions For Use:150 mg a day if used internally. May be used as an ointment or suppository. Before taking any herbal product, you are advised to consult with a trained health care professional.

Processing:

Bio-Enhancing:The bio-enhancing agents include bilberry, centella, ginkgo biloba, ginger root, and horse chestnut.

Toxicity, Cautions, Contra-Indications:Butcher's broom may cause an allergic reaction leading to nausea or gastritis. Before taking any herbal product, you are advised to consult with a trained health care professional.

Scientific References:Balch, J. and Balch, P., (1997) Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Garden City Park, New York: Avery Publishing Group. Castleman, M., (1991) The Healing Herbs. Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press. Chopra, D., (1993) Alternative Medicine. Fife, Washington: Future Medicine Publishing, Inc. Flynn, R. and Roest, M., (1995) Your Guide to Standardized Herbal Products. Prescott, Arizona: One World Press. Murray, M., (1996) Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Unites States of America: Prima Publishing. Murray, M. and Pizzorno, J., (1998) Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. United States of America: Prima Publishing. Null, G., (1998) The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. New York, New York: Kensington Publishing Corp. Werbach, M., (1993) Nutritional Influences of Illness. Tarzana, California: Third Line Press.

Historical Uses:Butcher's broom has been used for several venous disorders. Some examples include reducing cramping during pregnancy, problems when taking estrogen, pruritus ani (anal itching), and surface veins.

Analysis:Spectrophotometric contents of sapponins calculated as ruscogenins 10.0%, pH 5.4, Loss on drying 4.56, Sulfated Ash 5.96%, Ethanol .415%, Methanol 0.05%, Isopropanol 0.02%, Cyclohexane 0.075ppm, Fungi <100.0cfu/g.