Health Benefits of Butcher's Broom

Health Benefits of Butcher’s Broom

Butcher’s Broom (Ruscus aculeatus), is a dark green evergreen shrub native to western Europe and some parts of northern Africa. Butcher’s broom has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Butcher’s broom has been traditionally used to treat hemorrhoids, gallstones, kidney stones, constipation, lymphedema, atherosclerosis, and poor circulation symptoms including leg cramps and varicose veins.

Butcher’s broom has anti-inflammatory properties. Butcher’s broom contains ruscogenin that suppresses inflammatory signals and markers which potentially prevent damage caused by inflammation. Test-tube studies have shown that ruscogenin reduced inflammation markers and stopped the production of an enzyme that promotes cartilage breakdown in people with osteoarthritis.

Butcher’s broom may help reduce hemorrhoids by reducing swelling and promote vein contractions.

Butcher’s broom may help improve circulatory disorders such as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Studies have shown that butcher’s broom significantly reduced swelling around the lower legs and ankles in adults with CVI. Other studies have shown that consuming Butcher’s broom reduced cramps, pain and swelling in adults with CVI.

Butcher’s broom may also reduce symptoms of orthostatic hypotension (OH) commonly seen in older adults.

Butcher’s broom side effects may include nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, and or heartburn.

Butcher’s broom may interact with certain medications such as kidney and blood pressure medications to name a few.

As always consult with your physician.

Sources:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12040966/

https://www.medicinenet.com/what_is_butchers_broom_good_for/article.htm

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-320/butchers-broom

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/butchers-broom

https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/butchers_broom.htm

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/butcher-broom