(Ruscus aculeatus)

    Butcher's broom is an evergreen plant, also known as Knee Holly. The plant has spiny leaf like stems with greenish-white flowers and red berries and it can grow up to 3 feet tall. Butcher's broom can grow in almost any soil or situation. In the old days the branches from this herb were bundled and used as a broom by butchers. That's how butcher's broom got its name. Butchers Broom is very beneficial to people whose jobs keep them standing on their feet all day, since veins constrict after consumption of the herb and swelling subsides.

Take internally (tincture, capsules, tea) for carpal tunnel syndrome, edema, obesity, thrombophlebitis, to build up structure of the veins and to improve circulation in hands and feet.

You can take 1-2 capsules 2 times a day, or 20-40 drops of tincture 2-4 times a day. Apply externally (cream, extract) for soothing of hemorrhoids.

Parts used: Rhizome, root. Don't use if you have high blood pressure.