Overview

Butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is a small evergreen shrub native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The root is used to make medicine.

Chemicals in butcher's broom might cause the blood vessels to narrow or constrict. This might improve blood circulation in the legs.

People use butcher's broom for poor circulation that causes the legs to swell. It is also used for swelling of the arms, varicose veins, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse butcher's broom with scotch broom or Spanish broom. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Poor circulation that can cause the legs to swell (chronic venous insufficiency or CVI). Taking butcher's broom by mouth, alone or with vitamin C and hesperidin, seems to help with the symptoms of this condition, such as pain, heaviness, cramps, itching, and swelling.
There is interest in using butcher's broom for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Butcher's broom is possibly safe when products containing the rhizome extract or root extract are used for up to 3 months. Side effects might include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and heartburn.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if butcher's broom is safe. It may cause allergic reactions in some people.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Butcher's broom is possibly safe when products containing the rhizome extract or root extract are used for up to 3 months. Side effects might include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and heartburn.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if butcher's broom is safe. It may cause allergic reactions in some people.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if butcher's broom is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications used for high blood pressure (Alpha-adrenergic antagonists) interacts with BUTCHER'S BROOM

    Butcher's broom might increase blood pressure. Taking butcher's broom might reduce the effects of blood pressure medications. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

  • Stimulant Medications (Alpha-adrenergic agonists) interacts with BUTCHER'S BROOM

    Butcher's broom might increase blood pressure, make the heart beat faster, and stimulate the brain. Stimulant medications have similar effects. Taking them together with butcher's broom might make the blood pressure go too high or the heart beat too fast.

Dosing

Butcher's broom has most often been used by adults in doses of 75-300 mg by mouth daily for up to 3 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.