Description
Butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is a small evergreen shrub.
It’s native to Western Europe and has especially tough branches. Historically, butchers would bundle its branches to sweep off their chopping blocks — which is how it got its name.
What’s more, butcher’s broom has been used in herbal medicine for thousands of years.
Its root and rootstock are prized in herbal medicine because they contain various active compounds, including flavonoids and many others
Potential Benefits
Butcher’s broom and its compounds are associated with several potential health benefits.
- May Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is your body’s natural way to heal itself and combat infections.
However, chronic inflammation can cause health problems, as it increases your risk of certain diseases
Butcher’s broom contains compounds, such as ruscogenin, that may help suppress inflammatory signals and potentially treat damage caused by inflammation.
- May Treat Poor Blood Circulation
Butcher’s broom may treat conditions that affect blood circulation.
For example, it may combat chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a painful condition in which your legs’ veins struggle to deliver blood back to your heart
Several compounds in butcher’s broom help veins contract, allowing blood to return to the heart
- May Reduce Symptoms of Orthostatic Hypotension
Orthostatic hypotension (OH) — a sudden drop in blood pressure that happens when you stand up too quickly — is a frequent problem in older adults .
Common symptoms of OH include lightheadedness, dizziness, weakness and nausea.
Normally, your reflexes counter this effect by constricting blood vessels in your lower body. However, these reflexes appear to weaken with age, which may cause OH.
Because butcher’s broom helps constrict veins, it may prevent mild cases of OH
- May Reduce Your Risk of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are a common health concern, especially among older adults.
To avoid hemorrhoids, many people turn to natural products, such as butcher’s broom.
Butcher’s broom is used in alternative medicine to treat hemorrhoids and other vascular conditions, as it appears to reduce swelling and help veins contract
