🌿 Butcher's broom
Mäusedorn
Ruscus aculeatus
Butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is an evergreen perennial subshrub belonging to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). It is native to the Mediterranean region and parts of western and southern Europe. It typically grows in open woodland, scrubland and shaded, relatively dry habitats.
The plant usually reaches a height of 30–80 cm. Its distinctive dark-green, rigid, leaf-like structures are flattened shoots called cladodes. They terminate in sharp spines, while the true leaves are greatly reduced. Small greenish-white flowers develop on the cladodes and may produce bright red berries.
The medicinally used parts are primarily the underground rhizome and roots. These contain steroidal saponins, including ruscogenin and neoruscogenin, alongside other secondary plant compounds.
Standardised extracts are traditionally used to relieve symptoms associated with chronic venous insufficiency, such as heavy, tired or swollen legs. The constituents may influence venous tone and help reduce fluid accumulation in tissues. Butcher's broom is also traditionally used for symptomatic relief of haemorrhoidal discomfort.
Medicinal use refers to appropriate preparations rather than consumption of the raw plant.
The plant usually reaches a height of 30–80 cm. Its distinctive dark-green, rigid, leaf-like structures are flattened shoots called cladodes. They terminate in sharp spines, while the true leaves are greatly reduced. Small greenish-white flowers develop on the cladodes and may produce bright red berries.
The medicinally used parts are primarily the underground rhizome and roots. These contain steroidal saponins, including ruscogenin and neoruscogenin, alongside other secondary plant compounds.
Standardised extracts are traditionally used to relieve symptoms associated with chronic venous insufficiency, such as heavy, tired or swollen legs. The constituents may influence venous tone and help reduce fluid accumulation in tissues. Butcher's broom is also traditionally used for symptomatic relief of haemorrhoidal discomfort.
Medicinal use refers to appropriate preparations rather than consumption of the raw plant.
Notes
Butcher's broom is traditionally used for symptomatic relief of mild venous complaints and haemorrhoidal discomfort. Scientific evidence varies by preparation and indication and remains limited. Findings from standardised combination products cannot automatically be attributed to butcher's broom alone.
The berries are not intended for consumption and may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Medicinal use is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding or in children and adolescents because adequate safety data are lacking. People with high blood pressure or taking cardiovascular medication should seek medical advice before use.
Sudden unilateral leg swelling, severe pain, skin redness or shortness of breath requires prompt medical assessment. Butcher's broom is not a substitute for treatment of thrombosis or other serious vascular disorders.
The berries are not intended for consumption and may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Medicinal use is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding or in children and adolescents because adequate safety data are lacking. People with high blood pressure or taking cardiovascular medication should seek medical advice before use.
Sudden unilateral leg swelling, severe pain, skin redness or shortness of breath requires prompt medical assessment. Butcher's broom is not a substitute for treatment of thrombosis or other serious vascular disorders.
Effects
- venotonic
- anti-oedematous
- vein-strengthening
- capillary permeability reducing
- anti-exudative
Conditions
- fluid retention
- venous insufficiency
- haemorrhoids
- couperose
- spider veins
Plant Parts
- root
- rhizome
Preparations
- extract
Contraindications
- high blood pressure – seek medical advice