Butcher's Broom

Butcher's broom is named for the first use of the plant, which was to literally clean the surface areas used for cutting meat in a butcher's shop. The plant has sturdy, spiny leafed branches that are similar in appearance to the asparagus plant, but much more rigid. Butcher's broom is actually part of the lily family, and grows in moist, high organic matter areas. In ancient times butchers in Mediterranean and European countries would collect the mature branches and bundle them together by the stalks, making a stiff hand held broom that could sweep trimmings and other meat left behind after cutting. In early times the young stems were also cooked and eaten similar to asparagus stalks, but this was only done prior to the stems developing their characteristic woody texture.

In more modern times and in ancient and current herbal medicinal treatments butcher's broom is used to aid in circulation, eliminate urinary tract infections, and prevent or minimize the appearance of varicose veins.
It is the root and very young stems of the plant that are used in herbal medicines, and butcher's broom is often combined with a variety of other herbs in holistic treatments to improve circulation, increase blood flow capacity through veins and arteries, and overall improve energy and eliminate fatigue.

Since butcher's broom does have a diuretic effect, it is often prescribed as a natural alternative product to reduce swelling and edema or water retention. In combination with other herbal medications the herb can also be used to manage chronic constipation. Butcher's broom may be used in conjunction with several other herbs or herbal extracts such as horse chestnut, vitamin C or flavonoids. Many hospitals, especially in Europe, use butcher's broom products post-surgery to prevent the formation of blood clots. For patients suffering from weak veins or poor blood circulation the results of using butcher's broom can be quite dramatic and much quicker than some of the prescription medications.

There are few side effects to using butcher's broom provided that proper dosage recommendations are followed. For circulatory issues the recommended dosage is 1000 mg three times per day, taken in capsule form. Occasionally some people experience nausea, upset stomach and some dizziness when taking butcher's broom. Individuals with high blood pressure should not use herbal products containing butcher's broom unless under the supervision and recommendation of their physician.