History

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  Butcher's Broom was first used as a laxative to treat constipation and to eliminate excess water retention about 2000 years ago. Europeans later used bushels of shoots bound together to keep cutting boards clean.
  
  

Features

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  Butcher's Broom resembles the asparagus plant as a low-growing, small-leafed evergreen shrub. Its bright red berries lends the plant an alternate name, Knee Holly. It grows in Europe, the Mediterranean and the southern United States.
  
  

Effects

• There are no known side effects of taking Butcher's Broom although in some cases, nausea and queasiness were reported.
  
  

Benefits

• Butcher's Broom tightens the circulatory walls, strengths the capillaries, reduces swelling and promotes better blood flow to the heart.
  
  

Warning

• Studies on pregnant women taking Butcher's Broom have reached no consensus. If you are pregnant, avoid this herb.