Butcher's Broom (ruscus aculeatus)
Photo: Dominicus Johannes Bergsma · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Circulatory
- 1 condition
- Licensed photo
Overview
Butcher’s broom is a bushy, evergreen perennial that can reach about 3 ft (1 m) in height. It has stiff, leaf-like branches ending in a sharp spine, with small greenish-white flowers and shiny red berries in autumn.
Traditional uses & properties
It contains saponin glycosides such as ruscogenin.
Safety & precautions
High Blood Pressure: Avoid using butcher’s broom if you have hypertension. General Safety: Consult a qualified practitioner when dealing with circulation issues.
Educational reference only - not medical advice. Herbs can interact with medications. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use. Full disclaimer.
Drug interactions
Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.
Habitat
This plant grows wild across much of Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, typically in woodland and undisturbed ground. Butcher’s broom is protected in some regions. In cultivation, it is harvested in the fall when the berries appear.
Traditionally used for
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Frequently asked questions
What is Butcher's Broom (ruscus aculeatus) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Butcher's Broom (ruscus aculeatus) as follows: It contains saponin glycosides such as ruscogenin.
What safety cautions apply to Butcher's Broom (ruscus aculeatus)?
High Blood Pressure: Avoid using butcher’s broom if you have hypertension. General Safety: Consult a qualified practitioner when dealing with circulation issues.
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