Butcher's broom
Encyclopedia
Ruscus aculeatus is a low evergreen
Eurasian shrub
, with flat shoots known as cladodes that give the appearance of stiff, spine-tipped leaves
. Small greenish flowers appear in spring, and are borne singly in the centre of the cladodes. The female flowers are followed by a red berry, and the seeds are bird-distributed, but the plant also spreads vegetatively by means of rhizomes. Ruscus aculeatus occurs in woodlands and hedgerows, where it is tolerant of deep shade, and also on coastal cliffs. It is also widely planted in gardens, and has spread as a garden escape in many areas outside its native range.
(Bouskela , Cyrino, and Marcelon).
It is also used for hemorrhoids. In a 1999 open-label (not blinded) clinical trial
, the herb was tested as a hemorrhoid treatment and showed statistically significant positive results. It also showed reduction in venous insufficiency
in two other studies. It was approved by the German Commission E
guidelines for hemorrhoids treatment
It is occasionally prescribed for varicose veins which can be a complication of pregnancy. However, since it is classified as a natural product, there is no evidence or trials to suggest complete safety for the fetus. A qualified healthcare practitioner should be consulted prior to using this compound during pregnancy.
Evergreen
In botany, an evergreen plant is a plant that has leaves in all seasons. This contrasts with deciduous plants, which completely lose their foliage during the winter or dry season.There are many different kinds of evergreen plants, both trees and shrubs...
Eurasian shrub
Shrub
A shrub or bush is distinguished from a tree by its multiple stems and shorter height, usually under 5–6 m tall. A large number of plants may become either shrubs or trees, depending on the growing conditions they experience...
, with flat shoots known as cladodes that give the appearance of stiff, spine-tipped leaves
Leaves
-History:Vocalist Arnar Gudjonsson was formerly the guitarist with Mower, and he was joined by Hallur Hallsson , Arnar Ólafsson , Bjarni Grímsson , and Andri Ásgrímsson . Late in 2001 they played with Emiliana Torrini and drew early praise from the New York Times...
. Small greenish flowers appear in spring, and are borne singly in the centre of the cladodes. The female flowers are followed by a red berry, and the seeds are bird-distributed, but the plant also spreads vegetatively by means of rhizomes. Ruscus aculeatus occurs in woodlands and hedgerows, where it is tolerant of deep shade, and also on coastal cliffs. It is also widely planted in gardens, and has spread as a garden escape in many areas outside its native range.
Common names
- Butcher's Broom
- Kneeholy, Knee Holly, Kneeholm
- Jew's Myrtle
- Sweet Broom
- Pettigree
Medicinal Uses
Butcher's broom has been known to enhance blood flow to the brain, legs, and hands. It has been used to relieve constipation and water retention and improve circulation. Since Butcher's broom tightens blood vessels and capillaries, it is used to treat a common condition known as varicose veinsVaricose veins
Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged and tortuous. The term commonly refers to the veins on the leg, although varicose veins can occur elsewhere. Veins have leaflet valves to prevent blood from flowing backwards . Leg muscles pump the veins to return blood to the heart, against the...
(Bouskela , Cyrino, and Marcelon).
It is also used for hemorrhoids. In a 1999 open-label (not blinded) clinical trial
Clinical trial
Clinical trials are a set of procedures in medical research and drug development that are conducted to allow safety and efficacy data to be collected for health interventions...
, the herb was tested as a hemorrhoid treatment and showed statistically significant positive results. It also showed reduction in venous insufficiency
Venous insufficiency
Venous insufficiency can refer to:* varicose veins* chronic venous insufficiency...
in two other studies. It was approved by the German Commission E
Commission E
The German Commission E Monographs are a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine with 380 monographs evaluating the safety and efficacy of herbs for licensed medical prescribing in Germany. The commission itself was formed in 1978, and no longer exists....
guidelines for hemorrhoids treatment
It is occasionally prescribed for varicose veins which can be a complication of pregnancy. However, since it is classified as a natural product, there is no evidence or trials to suggest complete safety for the fetus. A qualified healthcare practitioner should be consulted prior to using this compound during pregnancy.