Butcher’s Broom
OTHER NAME(S): Balai du Boucher, Box Holly, Fragon, Fragon Épineux, Fragon Faux Houx, Fragon Piquant, Houx Frelon, Jew's Myrtle, Knee Holly, Kneeholly, Kneeholm, Kneeholy, Petit Houx, Pettigree, Stickmyrten, Sweet Broom, Rusci Aculeati, Rusci Aculeati Rhizoma, Rusco, Ruscus aculeatus, Oxymyrsine pungens, Ruscus dumosus, Ruscus flexuosus, Ruscus laxus, Ruscus parasiticus, Ruscus ponticus, Butchers Broom, Butcherbroom, Butchers' Broom, Escoba de Carnicero, Fragon petit-houx
Overview
Butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is a small evergreen shrub native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The root is used to make medicine.
Chemicals in butcher's broom might cause the blood vessels to narrow or constrict. This might improve blood circulation in the legs.
People use butcher's broom for poor circulation that causes the legs to swell. It is also used for swelling of the arms, varicose veins, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse butcher's broom with scotch broom or Spanish broom. These are not the same.
Uses
Possibly Effective for
- Poor circulation that can cause the legs to swell (chronic venous insufficiency or CVI). Taking butcher's broom by mouth, alone or with vitamin C and hesperidin, seems to help with the symptoms of this condition, such as pain, heaviness, cramps, itching, and swelling.
There is interest in using butcher's broom for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Butcher's broom is possibly safe when products containing the rhizome extract or root extract are used for up to 3 months. Side effects might include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and heartburn.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if butcher's broom is safe. It may cause allergic reactions in some people.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Butcher's broom is possibly safe when products containing the rhizome extract or root extract are used for up to 3 months. Side effects might include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and heartburn.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if butcher's broom is safe. It may cause allergic reactions in some people.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if butcher's broom is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Medications used for high blood pressure (Alpha-adrenergic antagonists) interacts with Butcher's BroomButcher's broom might increase blood pressure. Taking butcher's broom might reduce the effects of blood pressure medications. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
- Stimulant Medications (Alpha-adrenergic agonists) interacts with Butcher's BroomButcher's broom might increase blood pressure, make the heart beat faster, and stimulate the brain. Stimulant medications have similar effects. Taking them together with butcher's broom might make the blood pressure go too high or the heart beat too fast.
Dosing
Butcher's broom has most often been used by adults in doses of 75-300 mg by mouth daily for up to 3 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
References
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