Butcher’s Broom Root

Ruscus aculeatus

At one time, the mature branches of butcher’s broom were bundled and dried and used as brooms. Specifically, these bundles were just the right size to handle to sweep away debris from the butcher’s block, hence the plant’s common name. The alternate name knee holly is a reference to the leaf’s resemblance to evergreen holly leaves and the height of the shrub typically reaching knee level.

Butcher’s broom root is harvested for its diuretic and vasoconstricting qualities. In Europe, the herb is approved by the German Commission E for chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins and hemorrhoids. The effect of butcher’s broom on blood vessels is due to the presence of several steroidal saponins, most notably ruscogenin and neoruscogenin.

As a dietary supplement, butcher’s broom root is a good source of the antioxidants beta-carotene, rutin and vitamin C, as well as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and other trace minerals.