Butchers Broom
Butchers Broom.Also known as- Ruscus aculeatus, Box Holly, Jew's Myrtle, Kneeholm, Knee Holly, Pettigree, Sweet Broom, Rusci Aculeati, Rusci Aculeati Rhizoma. Introduction This herb is a low, shrubby, evergreen plant of the lily family. At one time its stems were used to protect curing meats from rodents and to make brooms for butcherÍs stalls. The root is used in herbal medicine. Ruscus acluteatus is also known as Butcher’s Broom and is used extensively in Europe to improve circulation and relieve the pain and discomfort associated with restless leg syndrome. Also useful in treatment of constipation and water retention, circulatory disorders including hemorrhoids and varicose veins and as a bladder and kidney tonic. The primary active ingredients are the steroidal saponins with other constituents including flavonoids and glycolic acid. In recent studies saponins have been investigated for their ability to promote venous integrity. Anti-elastase and anti-hyaluronidase activities of saponins and sapogenins from Hedera helix, Aesculus hippocastanum, and Ruscus aculeatus: factors contributing to their efficacy in the treatment of venous insufficiency. In addition, Butcher's broom has been shown to have a significant effect on patients needing support in the anal area in an open trial, with 75 percent of participating physicians rating butcher's broom's efficacy as good or excellent. Constituents Ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, calcium, chromium, chrysophanic acid, magnesium, manganese, niacin, riboflavin, ruscogenin, rutin, selenium, tin, zinc. Parts Used The washed and dried root, chopped. Typical Preparations Tea or extract. To make a tea from chopped root, place 1 teaspoon of the herb in a cup of boiling water and allow to steep in a closed teapot for 10 minutes. The teapot should not be heated. Strain before drinking. Summary A mild diuretic, butcherÍs broom was approved by the authoritative German Commission E as a supportive therapy for chronic venous insufficiency, a condition causing pain, swelling, and fatigue in the calves. Chronic venous insufficiency is related to varicose veins. The Commission also recommended butchers broom for treatment of hemorrhoids. At least one clinical trial found that butchers broom may relieve lymphedema (arm swelling) following treatment for breast cancer. Precautions Maximum safe doses for young children, pregnant or nursing women, and persons with liver or kidney disease have not been established.
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