Butcher's broom

by Kat Matina May 21, 2020

You have most certainly already come across it during your walks in the forest, perhaps confusing it with the pretty holly of the Christmas season... Butcher's broom or false holly is not only decorative (although very spicy!), it contains substances that are beneficial for certain conditions that can actually get worse when the heat comes. Read on to find out how butcher's broom can help you...

General presentation of butcher's broom

Butcher's broom, or simply butcher's broom, scientifically called ruscus aculeatus, is a shrub of the asparagaceae family that likes areas with a temperate climate.

Traditionally, this shrub is known as butcher's broom, prickly butcher's broom, or even rat's thorn! It does not exceed 1 meter in height and is composed of a very branched rhizome and flattened branches that look like leaves (but which are not in reality, surprising isn't it?!).

Butcher's broom has small greenish flowers (have you ever seen them?) that turn into very recognizable red berries, which give it a resemblance to real holly.

Surprising...

The young shoots of butcher's broom are edible! They can be eaten raw or cooked, in the same way as wild asparagus. However, the red berries are toxic!

Did you know?

Butcher's broom is so prickly that it was used in ancient times as a rustic broom. All you had to do was tie several branches together to have a very effective household utensil. It could also be used as a hedgehog, to sweep chimney flues!

Composition and medicinal properties of butcher's broom

We find in our fragonnette 3 essential components: saponins, ruscogenin and potassium nitrate.

Butcher's broom is recognized as a powerful natural veinotonic which stimulates the blood vessels , tones them and thus promotes better blood circulation, but also better water circulation in the tissues.

In addition to this, the shrub has the property of neutralizing the effects of elastase, an enzyme that degrades the flexibility of the veins. Overall, butcher's broom will be effective in facilitating venous return, but also in treating conditions such as phlebitis and venous and capillary diseases.

Directly linked to its veinotonic properties, butcher's broom strengthens the walls of blood vessels. By making them less impermeable, it helps to limit the passage of toxins in areas where drainage is more difficult, and helps reduce edema.

Butcher's broom is, of course, also known for its positive effect on hemorrhoid attacks. Its use is also recognized by the German Health Commission, as a supportive but also basic treatment for hemorrhoids.

Finally, the rhizome of butcher's broom is known to have diuretic properties.

Scientific studies on butcher's broom

The plant benefits from a small number of clinical studies. On the other hand, the studies carried out on the effects of butcher's broom prove to be reliable due to the protocols put in place and the number of participating subjects.

A 6-month study observed the effects of daily supplementation of Ruscus aculeatus on 110 women suffering from chronic venous insufficiency. The results showed a clear improvement in overall condition, and of course in circulation (1) (2).

A meta-analysis of several clinical trials was able to synthesize results covering more than 10,000 subjects in total, all suffering from chronic venous insufficiency.

For each of the groups taking a daily dose of butcher's broom, observations showed a significant reduction in the severity of symptoms such as heavy legs, fatigue, cramps, restlessness, varicose veins and edema... (3).

Other studies have focused on the effects of butcher's broom on hemorrhoid flare-ups. One clinical trial of 124 people with hemorrhoids found that after 7 days of butcher's broom supplementation , they experienced significant improvement and relief of their symptoms (4) (5).

Other studies in patients with type II diabetes have also shown that after 3 months with a dose of 70 mg of butcher's broom per day, patients benefited from a marked improvement in glucose metabolism but also in lipid metabolism, with a decrease in total cholesterol of 9.4%.

Researchers have even observed significant improvement in visual acuity in people with retinopathy, which is a side effect of type 2 diabetes (6).

Dosage, contraindications and side effects of butcher's broom

Butcher's broom is found in the form of ointment, capsules or mother tincture.

In capsules, take 1 tablet in the morning and evening for 4 weeks. The mother tincture is used at a rate of 50 to 150 drops per day, mixed in a glass of water, also as a 3 to 4 week treatment.

The ointment can be applied locally to complete the treatment.

There are no recognized side effects or contraindications, however it is recommended not to exceed 4 weeks of treatment. This can be repeated after a break of several weeks.

In conclusion…

Don't hesitate to stock your medicine cabinet with butcher's broom extract if you suffer from venous insufficiency, hemorrhoids or even diabetes. As a 4-week treatment, this plant will do you the world of good. And to enhance its effects, you can combine it with red vine, cypress or horse chestnut.