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Vasoconstrictive Effect of Butcher's Broom

Butcher's broom, also known as box holly, sweet broom, knee holly, Jew's myrtle and pettigree, is a low-growing, common evergreen shrub whose vascular healing properties have been proven in tests in Europe and Japan.

  1. Vasoconstriction

    • Vasoconstriction is defined by Dictionary.com as "constriction of the blood vessels." Butcher's broom has been known for centuries to produce such an effect and has been prescribed for hemorrhoids, varicose veins and other vascular maladies.

    Research

    • In a French clinical trial butcher's broom was shown to narrow the blood vessels of every animal in the study group. Limited research on human subjects in clinical trials has produced some evidence for a vasoconstrictive effect in humans as well.

    Active Components

    • The plant's rhizomes (underground stems or roots) contain fat-soluble molecules, specifically the chemical compounds ruscogenin and neoruscogenin, that are responsible for this homeopathic remedy's constrictive effect. They directly affect the adrenergic receptors (chemical receptors in humans that react to adrenaline or epenephrine) in the brain and body, and particularly in the smooth cells of the vascular walls.

    Dosage

    • For venous insufficiency requiring vasoconstriction, encapsulated butcher's broom is usually taken in 1,000-mg doses thrice daily. If the capsules are unavailable, patients can also take 50-100 mg of a standardized extract of the plant's ruscogenins.

    Cautions

    • The FDA currently does not approve of the medicinal use of butcher's broom, nor does it support any of this herbal remedy's therapeutic benefits. Consult a qualified homeopath before taking butcher's broom.

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