Spanish Broom
OTHER NAME(S): Faux Genêt d'Espagne, Gallomba, Gayomba, Geneste, Genet, Genet Absolute, Genêt d'Espagne, Ginesta, Ginestra, Joncier, Retama de Olor, Spartier, Spartier Faux Jonc, Spartier à Tiges de Jonc, Spartion, Spartium, Weaver's Broom, Spartium junceum, Escoba Española, Genêt D'espagne
Overview
Spanish broom is an herb. The flowers are used to make medicine.
People take Spanish broom for constipation and fluid retention, for inducing vomiting, and to improve function of the heart.
There isn't enough information to know how Spanish broom might work as a medicine.
In foods and beverages, Spanish broom is used as flavoring.
In manufacturing, Spanish broom is used as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics.
Be careful not to confuse Spanish broom with similar sounding natural products such as butcher's broom, and Scotch broom.
There isn't enough information to know how Spanish broom might work as a medicine.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Constipation.
- Fluid retention.
- Improving heart function.
- Inducing vomiting.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of Spanish broom for these uses.
Precautions
Spanish broom seems to be safe in amounts typically found in food, but the safety of using larger amounts is not known.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It might be UNSAFE to use Spanish broom if you are pregnant. Spanish broom contains a chemical called sparteine, which could start your menstrual period. This might cause a miscarriage. Some manufacturers try to remove sparteine from their products, but it's best to stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Spanish Broom overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of Spanish broom depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Spanish broom. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
- Giménez N, Magro N, Cortés N, Guitart R. Poisoning after Ingestion of Spartium junceum Seeds: Dose-Dependent Effects in Three Boys. J Emerg Med. 2017;53(3):e41-e44.
- Riccardi A, Frumento F, Ghinatti M, Guiddo G, Lerza R. Spanish Broom flower ingestion: a very unusual poisoning. Eur J Emerg Med. 2006;13(5):317-8.