Organic Butchers Broom Root (Ruscus aculeatus)

Herbs are Sold By the Ounce, Price is Per Ounce

Butchers Broom Root (Ruscus aculeatus)

Botanical Description

• Botanical Name: Ruscus aculeatus
• Common Names: Butcher's Broom, Knee Holly, Jew's Myrtle, Pettigree
• Family: Asparagaceae
• Origin: Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia
• Parts Used: Rhizomes (rootstock) and roots

Habitat and Growing Conditions

Butcher's Broom thrives in well-drained soils, typically found in woodlands, scrublands, and rocky places. It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun. This plant is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9.

Historical and Folklore Use

Historically, butcher's broom was used by butchers to clean their cutting boards, which is how it got its name. In folk medicine, it was often used for its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly for treating varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

Medicinal Actions and Uses

• Primary Actions: Anti-inflammatory, vasoconstrictive, diuretic, venotonic (improves vein tone)
• System Affinities: Circulatory system, particularly veins and capillaries
• Medicinal Uses:
  • Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): Butcher's broom is commonly used to alleviate symptoms such as leg swelling, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids.
  • Hemorrhoids: Due to its vasoconstrictive properties, it helps reduce the swelling of veins.
  • Orthostatic Hypotension: It may assist in stabilizing blood pressure when standing.

Active Compounds

• Ruscogenin and Neoruscogenin: These are steroidal saponins believed to be the primary active constituents responsible for its vasoconstrictive and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Flavonoids: These contribute to the antioxidant properties of the herb.

Energetics and Taste

• Energetics: Warming, drying
• Taste: Bitter, astringent

Growing and Harvesting

Butcher's Broom is typically propagated by division or seeds. It requires minimal care once established and is generally disease-resistant. Harvesting the rhizomes should be done in the autumn, and they can be dried for later use.

Cautions and Interactions

• Cautions: Butcher's Broom is generally well-tolerated but can cause minor gastrointestinal discomfort in some people.
• Interactions: It may interact with blood pressure medications due to its effects on blood vessels.

Scientific Studies

1. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): A study published in Phytomedicine showed that butcher's broom extract significantly improved symptoms of CVI .
2. Hemorrhoids: Research in the Journal of Vascular Research suggests that ruscogenins can reduce inflammation in veins, making it useful in hemorrhoid treatment .
3. Orthostatic Hypotension: Studies have indicated that butcher's broom may help improve symptoms in individuals with low blood pressure related to standing.