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 has long been valued in European herbal traditions and is harvested for its role in traditional botanical preparations. It has a well-documented history of use within classic herbal systems, particularly in Europe, where it has been studied extensively.
The root contains naturally occurring plant compounds, including steroidal saponins such as ruscogenin and neoruscogenin, which have contributed to ongoing scientific and botanical interest in the plant. Today, butcher’s broom continues to be included in a variety of traditional and modern herbal formulations, appreciated for its historical significance and distinctive phytochemical profile.
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.
