At one time, the mature branches of butcher’s broom were bundled and
dried and used as brooms. Specifically, these bundles were just the
right size to handle to sweep away debris from the butcher’s block,
hence the plant’s common name. The alternate name knee holly is a
reference to the leaf’s resemblance to evergreen holly leaves and the
height of the shrub typically reaching knee level.
Butcher’s broom root is harvested for its diuretic and vasoconstricting
qualities. In Europe, the herb is approved by the German Commission E
for chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins and hemorrhoids. The
effect of butcher’s broom on blood vessels is due to the presence of
several steroidal saponins, most notably ruscogenin and neoruscogenin.
As a dietary supplement, butcher’s broom root is a good source of the
antioxidants beta-carotene, rutin and vitamin C, as well as calcium, iron,
magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and other trace minerals.
