The Ancient Greek Laxative, Butcher's Broom

Other Common Names: Brusca, Cobanpuskulu, Jew's Myrtle, Knee Holly, Kneeholm, Kneeholy, Pettigree, Rusco, Sweet Broom, Ruscus aculeatus

Range: Egypt; Europe; France; Mediterranean; Spain; Turkey

Habitat: Outskirts of dry woods and in moist uncultivated ground especially on chalk.

Used by ancient Greek physicians as a laxative and a diuretic for flushing excess water from the body, Butcher's Broom fell into disrepute until the 1950s, when a French scientist discovered two chemicals from the plant's underground stem that cause blood vessels to narrow and help reduce inflammation. Butcher's broom is little used in modern herbalism but, in view of its positive effect upon varicose veins and hemorrhoids, it could be due for a revival.

The root is aperient, deobstruent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic and vasoconstrictor. It has been taken internally in the past in the treatment of jaundice, gout, and kidney and bladder stones, at the present time it is used to treat venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids. It should not be prescribed for patients with hypertension.

It is also applied externally in the treatment of hemorrhoids. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. The whole plant is also sometimes used. This remedy should not be given to people with high blood pressure.

The plant contains saponin glycosides, including ruscogenin and neoruscogenin. These substances are anti-inflammatory and cause the contraction of blood vessels, especially veins.

Young shoots - cooked. They are harvested in the spring as they grow through the soil and used as an asparagus substitute. The taste is pungent and rather bitter.

The roasted seed is a coffee substitute.

Known Hazards: The berries are purgative.

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