Herbal Encyclopedia

Common Medicinal Herbs For Natural Health

  • Herbs
  • Modes of Use
    • Compresses and Lotions
    • Creams
    • Decoctions
    • Electuaries
    • Essential Oils
    • Fomentations
    • Gargles and Mouthwashes
    • Glycerites
    • Liniments
    • Medicinal Milks
    • Mustard Plasters
    • Oil Infusions
    • Ointments and Salves
    • Poison Ivy Lotions
    • Poultices
    • Powders and Capsules
    • Vapor Balms
    • Steam Inhalations
    • Syrups
    • Tinctures and Vinegars
    • Toothpastes
    • Water Infusions
    • When To Gather Herbs
  • Scientific Names

Butcher's Broom

Botanical Name

  • Family Liliaceae
  • Ruscus aculeatus

Common Names

  • Kneeholm, Pettigree, Sweet Broom, Knee Holly, Jew’s Myrtle, Box Holly

Cautions

  • Do not take if suffering from high blood pressure.

Description

 Indigenous to almost all of Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, the plant is a bushy evergreen perennial, growing to three feet with leaflike, leathery branches having a terminal spine, greenish white flowers, and shiny red berries. A member of the lily family, it is similar to asparagus; and the young shoots are sometimes eaten as a vegetable. It is a protected species, in some areas, growing wild in woodland and on uncultivated ground. Cultivated plants are gathered in autumn when in fruit.

History

 It was widely used in antiquity and was described by the 1st century Greek physician, Dioscorides, as having the ability to promote urine flow and menstrual bleeding. He also considered the herb useful in treating bladder stones, jaundice, and headaches.

The plant's name comes from its use as a sweeper in European butcher shops right up to the 20th century.

Key Actions

  • anti-inflammatory
  • diuretic
  • mild laxative

Key Components

  • saponin glycosides (including ruscogenin and neoruscogenin)

Medicinal Parts

  • Roots, young aerial parts
  • Ruscogenin and neoruscogenin have a structure similar to that of diosgenin, found in wild yam. They are anti-inflammatory and cause the contraction of blood vessels, especially veins.

Traditional Uses

     Although not much used today, it bears a second look as it has such positive effects on varicose veins, hemorrhoids, atherosclerosis, and reduced venous circulation in the legs.

    Both the aerial parts and the rhizome are considered good diuretics and being mildly laxative.

Filed Under: B

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Pages

  • Modes of Use
    • Compresses and Lotions
    • Creams
    • Decoctions
    • Electuaries
    • Essential Oils
    • Fomentations
    • Gargles and Mouthwashes
    • Glycerites
    • Liniments
    • Lip Balms
    • Medicinal Milks
    • Mustard Plasters
    • Oil Infusions
    • Ointments and Salves
    • Poison Ivy Lotions
    • Poultices
    • Powders and Capsules
    • Steam Inhalations
    • Syrups
    • Tinctures and Vinegars
    • Toothpastes
    • Vapor Balms
    • Water Infusions
    • When To Gather Herbs
  • Online Herbal Encyclopedia of Knowledge
  • Scientific Names

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For educational purposes only.
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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