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Overview: Butcher’s broom is a plant called Ruscus aculeatus. The roots of the plant are available in dietary supplements. People usually take butcher’s broom for reasons related to blood flow in the veins, but its benefits are not well defined. Common side effects include diarrhea or nausea. Before taking butcher’s broom, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is butcher’s broom used for?

Butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is used for various problems related to blood flow. However, its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use butcher’s broom include the following.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed butcher’s broom for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does butcher’s broom work (mechanism of action)?

Butcher’s broom is a bush called Ruscus aculeatus. The name comes from the historical use of its branches as a broom head. Dietary supplements that contain butcher’s broom are instead made from the root (rhizome) of the plant.

Ruscin and ruscoside, two chemicals found in butcher’s broom roots, may be able to reduce inflammation (swelling). They may also be able to strengthen blood vessel walls, making them less “leaky.” Some research in people with poor blood flow to the legs (a condition called chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI) shows that butcher’s broom may help reduce leg swelling and other symptoms. But it is not clear whether it works better than a placebo (sugar pill) or other treatment options, such as compression stockings.

Butcher’s broom is also thought to help with hemorrhoids and swollen veins in the legs (varicose veins). However, it has not been studied for these uses and its benefits are not well defined.

Herbal products, like butcher’s broom, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific butcher’s broom product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store butcher’s broom?

You should store butcher’s broom according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of butcher’s broom?

The most common side effects of butcher’s broom are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea

There may be other side effects of butcher’s broom that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of butcher’s broom?

While less common, the most serious side effects of butcher’s broom are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Butcher’s broom may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using butcher’s broom and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use butcher’s broom?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use butcher’s broom.

  • Butcher’s broom
  • Ruscus aculeatus
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific butcher’s broom products they stock.

What should I know about butcher’s broom before using it?

Butcher’s broom is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep butcher’s broom out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as butcher’s broom, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific butcher’s broom product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Butcher’s broom is available in many different forms, including as a liquid extract, dried ground powder, and capsule. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals naturally found in the plant. Dietary supplements that contain butcher’s broom may also contain other ingredients. These other ingredients may have different effects and side effects. Read the product label closely to understand which forms and ingredients it contains.

The FDA has not tested butcher’s broom products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using butcher’s broom?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if butcher’s broom is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Butcher’s broom may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking butcher’s broom, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how butcher’s broom could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if butcher’s broom passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does butcher’s broom interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between butcher’s broom and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect butcher’s broom.

Does butcher’s broom interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking butcher’s broom.

  • A medicine for high blood pressure
  • A medicine for an enlarged prostate
  • Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed and others), which is a medicine commonly used for nasal congestion 

The interactions between butcher’s broom and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with butcher’s broom is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking butcher’s broom with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much butcher’s broom?

If you or someone else has used too much butcher’s broom, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Butcher’s broom is available in many doses and forms and may be combined with other ingredients. Read the product label closely, and speak to a health care provider about how to take butcher’s broom safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.