Butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus L.): properties, contraindications and how to take it

What is butcher’s broom and what is it for?

He rough or brusque (Ruscus aculeatus L..)a typical plant of the Mediterranean landscape, grows in the shade of holm oaks, in clearings, ravines and riverbanks.

It has been used as Christmas ornamentas symbol of prosperity, to make kitchen brushes and to scare away mice. But also, and above all, as a powerful vein tonic.

young shootssimilar in appearance to the shoots of the asparagus, with which it is related, They have been consumed as a vegetable and in tortillaalthough his taste is much more bitter.

Its berries, red in color, are very toxic. and they can cause vomiting, diarrhea and even breathing difficulties, so they should never be ingested.

for medicinal purposes they are harvested in autumn the rhizome and the root.

Butcher’s broom’s medicinal properties

The butcher’s broom is considered one of the best herbal remedies for toning veins. It also stands out for its anti-inflammatory, diuretic and anti-edematous properties.

Herbalists recommend butcher’s broom especially for problems of venous insufficiency, such as varicose veins, hemorrhoids and phlebitisIt is revealed as an excellent relief for the heavy legs, the tingling sensation either the tendency for the feet and hands to fall asleep.As a diuretic remedyis indicated to treat genitourinary conditions such as cystitis or urethritisrelieve edema and the fluid retentionpromote the elimination of kidney gritsIt can also be a support in case of excesses of uric acid and urea, gout and arterial hypertension.

How is it used

The butcher’s broom is in the form of dry plant for infusion or decoctionin tincture, liquid extract, in suppositories and as a basic ingredient in anti-hemorrhoidal creams and ointments.

Natural remedies with butcher’s broom

Tisane for circulation

For poor circulation problems, herbalists propose two related remedies. The first, orally, combines equal parts butcher’s broom with three plants with similar effects: witch hazel, ginkgo and horse chestnut.

How to prepare it: Two tablespoons of the mixture are added to half a liter of water. Boil for 1-2 minutes, let stand covered for 10 minutes and drink throughout the day.

For circulation, hemorrhoids and varicose veins

In this second remedy to promote circulation, butcher’s broom is associated with cypress cones (pine cones) and marigold flowers to treat hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

How to prepare it: Four tablespoons of the mixture are added per liter of water. Boil for 3 minutes, allow to cool, and take a sitz bath for 10-15 minutes.

It is also effective scrub over the affected area with a gauze soaked in this infusion. The massage, in the case of varicose veins, you have to do it from bottom to top.

Infusion for fluid retention

It is recommended to prepare an infusion of Butcher’s broom combined with grass rhizome, ash leaves and corn stigmas.

How to prepare it: Boil a tablespoon of the mixture for each cup of water for 10 minutes and take up to three cups a day.

In addition to taking these infusions, it is recommended to consume plenty of water throughout the day.

Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”