Butcher's Broom
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Butcher's Broom: Benefits for Circulation and Swelling Relief

| Modified on Aug 20, 2024
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Butcher's Broom

Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is an evergreen shrub native to Europe and parts of Africa. Traditionally, its tough, resilient branches were used by butchers to clean their chopping blocks, which led to its unique name. Beyond its historical uses, Butcher's Broom has been prized for centuries in herbal medicine for its potential to improve circulation and reduce swelling, making it a popular natural remedy for various conditions.

Key Health Benefits of Butcher's Broom

Butcher's Broom is packed with bioactive compounds, particularly flavonoids and antioxidants, that help strengthen blood vessels and improve overall circulation. Here's a closer look at its health benefits:

1. Improves Blood Circulation

Butcher's Broom is commonly used to treat poor circulation, particularly in the legs. It helps strengthen veins and capillaries, reducing symptoms like pain, heaviness, and swelling associated with conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins.

2. Reduces Swelling

This herb is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in reducing swelling in the legs and ankles. It is often recommended for individuals suffering from edema and other conditions where fluid retention is an issue.

3. Supports Hemorrhoid Treatment

Butcher's Broom can help alleviate the discomfort of hemorrhoids by strengthening blood vessels and reducing inflammation in the affected area. Its vasoconstrictive properties can help shrink swollen veins.

4. Alleviates Restless Leg Syndrome

For those who experience restless leg syndrome (RLS), Butcher's Broom may provide relief by improving blood flow to the legs and reducing the frequency of symptoms.

5. Enhances Venous Health

The herb's ability to stimulate alpha-adrenergic receptors leads to vasoconstriction, which supports healthy blood flow and can prevent conditions related to poor venous health, such as orthostatic hypotension (dizziness upon standing).

How to Use Butcher's Broom

Butcher's Broom is available in various forms, including capsules, tinctures, and teas. The recommended dosage typically depends on the form used and the condition being treated. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While Butcher's Broom is generally considered safe, it is advisable to use it with caution if you are pregnant, nursing, or have liver or kidney disorders. Some people may experience mild side effects, such as gastrointestinal discomfort or nausea.

Earth Clinic User Feedback on Butcher's Broom

Butcher's Broom has received positive reviews from users on Earth Clinic, particularly for its effectiveness in treating swollen feet, varicose veins, and restless leg syndrome.

  • Swollen Feet Relief: Users report significant reductions in swelling and improved comfort within hours of taking Butcher's Broom.
  • Edema Improvement: Several users found that their edema symptoms improved dramatically after using Butcher's Broom regularly.
  • Varicose Vein Pain Relief: Earth Clinic readers praised Butcher's Broom for alleviating the discomfort and aching associated with varicose veins.
  • Restless Leg Syndrome: Users have noted that taking Butcher's Broom daily can reduce the severity and frequency of restless leg syndrome symptoms.
  • Brain Aneurysm Recovery: In one remarkable case, a user reported that Butcher's Broom, combined with other supplements, contributed to the disappearance of a brain aneurysm as confirmed by a follow-up scan.

Conclusion

Butcher's Broom is a versatile and powerful herb with a long history of use in promoting circulatory health and reducing swelling. Whether dealing with chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, or simply seeking to improve your overall vascular health, Butcher's Broom offers a natural and effective solution. Always consult with a healthcare provider before adding new supplements to your routine to ensure they are appropriate for your specific health needs.

Related Links:

Cold Hands and Feet Remedies
Effective Natural Remedies for Restless Legs Syndrome Relief
Hemorrhoid Relief: Top Home Remedies and Causes Explained
How to Improve Circulation Naturally

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Cold Hands and Feet

1 User Review
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Posted by Kerry (Port Alberni, BC, Canada) on 05/25/2009
 ★★★★★

Butchers Broom works very well for cold fingers and fingers that get numb from the cold. My girlfriend would get painful numbness in her fingers from the cold. When she took Butchers Broom, her fingers wouldn't bother her. One or two capsules a day works well.

Edema

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Posted by brian (New South Wales) on 07/29/2023
 ★★★★★

I've had a bout of odema of the right foot for the last month or so. I did some online research and found Butchers Broom was recommended on this site and others. I bought a bottle online and it arrived last week. I've been trying it for several days: two capsules 940 mg each per day. In this time, I've noticed the inflammation and swelling have receded. And I've not noticed any of the pain I've had when the foot was swollen. I will keep using it for a month or more to see how long the effect lasts. But it looks like an effective treatment for odema.

Edema
Posted by Chrissy (Manahawkin, NJ) on 01/30/2013
 ★★★★★

I have been using Butchers Broom for months now. I ran out if it and the edema came back. So I started taking t again and I have reduced swelling again. It works very well for me. Good Luck...

Edema
Posted by Gabrielle (Pottsville, PA) on 06/11/2009
 ★★★★★

Butcher's Broom for ankle/feet swelling:

I've been suffering off and on with swollen feet/ankles for many years. Most of the time it has passed within a short amount of time with little effort (such as drinking more water and elevating my legs/feet on pillows). Recently the swelling came on after being laid off from work for a couple months - spending too much time at my computer! I tried the pillows several times to no avail. Every time I put on shoes and took a walk to help circulation, the swelling in my feet would simply move up worse into my ankles. I researched online and in the many books I have for herbal remedies and came to the conclusion that Butcher's Broom was the most recommended of anything. I went and got some at my local natural food store and took the regular dose (two 500 mg) and within just a couple of hours I realized I could once again see the veins on the tops of my feet and the swelling had reduced by at least half. I could feel a huge difference and the relief -both physical and mental- was immense.

Restless Leg Syndrome

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Posted by Laurie (Seattle) on 07/16/2016
 ★★★★★

Butcher's Broom helps with restless leg syndrome. Used to work in a vitamin store and customers loved it. Take the tincture or capsules twice a day.

Varicose Veins

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Posted by Cynthia (Grand Junction, Colorado) on 01/23/2008
 ★★★★★

Two herbs, Horse Chestnut and Butchers Broom, have been very helpful to me -- they have taken away the sore, aching, tired feeling from my legs. I don't know if the *appearance* of my leg veins has improved or not. They seem less noticeable now, but I've gained a little weight on my legs, so there may be more fat hiding some veins now.

These 2 specific herbs have made such a difference to my quality of life.

Background: I started getting varicose veins, and the aching that goes with them, when I was 16! Sixteen years old with varicose veins! And no, I wasn't pregnant, or obese.

The varicose veins just got worse over the decades.
The aching, TIRED feeling bothered me more than how they looked. I usually wore jeans, slacks, or a long skirt to hide them. And I hate support hosiery. It's so uncomfortable, especially in summer.

A few years ago, I was reading some traditional, conservative woman's magazine, maybe it was Woman's Day or Ladies' Home Journal, but I can't remember. There was an article about several herbal remedies that actually have some scientific evidence for being effective. It said that the herbs Horse Chestnut and Butchers Broom were helpful for varicose veins.

I tried the herbs.

The local natural foods stores sell several brands of capsules with the herbs in them. Affordable.

A couple year's ago, a doctor warned me not to take those herbs for a few days before a planned surgery, and for a couple weeks afterwards. Doctors wisely are cautious about any herb or drug before surgery, that may or may not affect circulation or blood or the speed of bleeding and/or coagulation. Other than that, my physician does not object to the herbs.

The usual common sense caveat: Of course you should talk to your doctor about any herbal remedies that you are thinking of trying. Because (1) I'm not a physician, and (2) each person's body and health are different, and (3) natural herbs can still have side effects and/or interactions with other drugs/herbs.

The Horse Chestnut and Butchers Broom herbs have worked like a miracle for me, so I'm surprised that they are not well known.



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