What is butcher's broom?

Butcher's Broom is a shrub, it has bright green, almost leafless stems; erect green branches from which oval leaflets grow, with bright yellow pea-like flowers, much favored by butterflies, blooms in April to June. The height ranges from 3-10 feet and can be trimmed back after flowering for a more compact shape. Unlike gorse, with which it is sometimes confused, broom rarely sports any prickles. The fruit is a brownish-black, shaggy pod contains 12-18 seeds. Requires full sun, prefers poor soil with perfect drainage. Both the root and stem of the plant are used in herbal preparations. The primary contituents of butcher's broom include steroidal saponins which are believed to be responsible for the herbs medicinal effects. It also contains silicon, chromium, iron, cobalt, manganese, zinc, and niacin.

What is the effective dosage of butcher's broom supplementation?

The effective dosage butcher's broom is 36.0 to 37.5 mg twice daily of a methanol extract concentrated at a level of 15-20:1. This should supply about 7-11 mg ruscogenin (also called ruscogenine) daily.

What are the benefits of butcher's broom supplementation?

• Butchers broom has been used to improve blood circulation, also helps to strengthen blood vessels.
• It relieves constipation.
• It is rich in flavonoids such as rutin and enhances blood flow to the brain, legs, and hands.
• It has mild diuretic effect (It contains glycolic acid).
• It also has laxative property.

What are the side effects of butcher's broom supplementation?

Butcher broom is very safe; occasionally the oral use of butcher's broom has caused mild nausea.

Cautions-

• It is not recommended for blood pressure.
• It is not for pregnant or breast feeding women.