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| DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied. |
Image| Rare instances of gastric problems and nausea have been reported. |
A low, shrubby evergreen found in the woods and scrubby waste places of southern England, also the Mediterranean region, from Europe to northern and western Africa and some parts of the southern United States. The leaves are prickly, like holly. Stems are tough, green, erect, striated, without bark. Flowers are solitary, small, greenish-white, growing from the center of the leaves. Fruits are scarlet berries, about the size of cherries, which adhere to the plant all winter. Root is thick, growing deep, brownish-gray when dry, 2 to 4 inches long, 1/3 inch in diameter with crowded rings and stem scars on the upper surface and numerous woody rootlets below. Plants are either male or female (dioecious).
Its name is derived from the stiff-jointed, leaf-like twigs which were once used by butchers to clean their cutting boards.
Astrologically ruled by Mars.
MEDICINAL:
Aromatic, aperient, bitter, antithrombotic, diuretic, deobstruent, mild laxative, anti-inflammatory, increases perspiration, vasoconstrictor. The root has been used as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, for circulatory insufficiency and as a preventative for arteriosclerosis. Affects circulatory and urinary systems. Has been used in decoction, ointment, and suppository forms. Animal experiments report an increase in venous tone and electrolyte-type reaction on cell walls of capillaries.The saponins present in the plant reduce vascular permeability.Used historically in cases of dropsy, nephritis, arteriosclerosis (used to increase circulation to the body and brain), jaundice, gravel, venous insuficiency, hemorrhoids, and urinary obstructions. For urinary problems and as a diuretic, a decoction of the root
was combined with Parlsey, Fennel, and Smallage in white wine to which an equivalent of Grassroot was added.Has been used internally for gout, kidney and bladder stones (used to increase circulation to the body and brain), varicose veins, dropsy, headache, leg cramps, menstrual problems, phlebitis, thrombosis and hemorrhoids. Has been used externally in the form of ointment for hemorrhoids. Also, the tincture has been applied topically.Was also used for circulatory problems, thrombosis, post-op thrombosis, phlebitis.Culpeper recommended a decoction of the root and a poultice of the berries and leaves for broken bones or joint separations. Was mentioned by Dioscorides (1st century AD) for treatment of kidney stones.Theophrastus (ca 325BC) praised its healing powers, likening it to a miracle herb. It was also mentioned by Pliny (ca 60AD) as being exceptional in cases of lameness caused by swellings in the limbs. During the Middle Ages, Butcher's Broom was known for its ability to relieve the sensation of 'heaviness in the legs', a condition which arises when standing too long (especially for women during menstruation and pregnancy) causing the lymphatic fluids to pool.Has been used for scrofulous tumors (1 tsp tincture each morning).A decoction sweetened with honey has been used for chest phlegm and respiratory difficulties.The branches were once used to flog the limbs in cases of chillblains.As a food during the Middle Ages it gained a reputation for relieving a 'heavy feeling' in the legs (probably due to lymphatic swelling in the legs).
DOSE: TRADITIONAL DOSAGES FOR PROFESSIONAL NOTE ONLY!CULINARY:CRAFT:OTHER: