The ancient Greeks already knew about butcher’s broom magical uses. This plant’s true leaves are imperceptible scales that grow along the stem. What seems to be the leaves are indeed pseudoleaves, botanically known as phylloclades. From them, flowers and fruits grow.
Butcher’s Broom Scientific Facts
- Scientific Name – Ruscus aculeatus L.
- Other Names – Kneeholly.
- French – Fragon.
- Spanish – Rusco.
- Environment – Limy soils and forests, mainly beech and holm oak forests, in Central and South Europe.
- Description – Evergreen shrub of the Liliaceae family, with an upright stem growing from 1 to 1 and a half meters high. Its fruit is a red berry.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: The rhizome and the root.
Butcher’s Broom Magical Uses
The root and the rhizome of the butcher’s broom contain steroid saponins with anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictive actions and rhutine as a protective measure for the capillary vessels (vitamin P effect). Butcher’s broom is probably the vegetal remedy with the most potent venotonic action. Thus, it is part of many anti-hemorrhoid and anti-varicose medicines. Its uses are the following ones:
- Vein afflictions: Varicose veins, phlebitis, swollen legs, edema, hemorrhoids. Due to its active components, the plant improves blood circulation through the venous system and strengthens the wall of the capillary vessels, decreasing the exudation of liquids of the tissues. Its diuretic effects also help to reinforce this beneficial action in venous blood flow.
- Gout, arthritis, and kidney lithiasis, because of its depurative action. It stimulates the elimination of uric acid and augments sweat, contributing to its blood depurative effect.
- Superficially, it is applied to the skin to reduce cellulitis because of its stimulating effect on tissues.
How to use Butcher’s Broom
- Decoction with 40 to 60 grams of root or rhizome per liter of water, boiling for ten minutes. Drink from 4 to 6 cups daily.
- Lotions with the same decoction employed for internal use.
REFERENCES
George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. Vols. 1 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 259. Print.
