Butcher's Broom - A Therapeutic Agent Used to Treat Numerous Ailments

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Butcher's Broom - A Therapeutic Agent Used to Treat Numerous Ailments

By Consumer Health Advocate, Frank Mangano

Butcher's broom is the root of the plant Ruscus aculeatus, which is a common evergreen shrub found in Mediterranean countries.

In the past, butcher's broom was used as a laxative as well as a treatment for gout, jaundice, kidney stones, and broken bones. The herb was also used as a diuretic to reduce swelling in the hands and feet, and to reduce inflammation due to arthritis.

Today, many herbalists recommend butcher's broom as a therapeutic agent for poor circulation, hemorrhoids, varicose veins and other manifestations of leaky vein walls and poor venous blood return to the heart. Treatment of these conditions includes ingestion of butcher's broom.

While butcher's broom is not a cure for these ailments, it is a very effective treatment to relieve symptoms such as leg cramps, pain, heaviness in the legs, swelling of the legs and feet, and it can strengthen vein walls. It can also be used externally as an ointment or suppository to treat itching and burning associated with hemorrhoids.

Butcher's Broom contains nutrients including calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, zinc and vitamins B₁, B₂, B₃ and C.

You can find butcher's broom in capsule, tablet, and tincture form for internal use as well as ointments and suppositories for external use. Each tablet typically contains about 300 mg of the dried extract. Butcher's Broom is also more effective when combined with Vitamin C.

* Important note: The recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.