Bruscus, Butcher’s Broom

Ruscus, Knee Holy

Ortus sanitatis, Meydenbach, 1491

New Kreuterbuch, Matthiolus, 1563

Krauterbuch, Lonitzer, 1578

Flora von Deutschland, Kohler, 1886

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Botanical name:
Ruscus aculeatus

Parts used:
Root

Temperature & Taste:
Warm, dry. Pungent, bitter
cuts, attenuates, opens

Classification:
2A APERIENT
4g. HEPATIC.   4h. NEPHRITIC

Uses:
1. One of the Opening Roots:
-obstruction of the Liver, Spleen, Kidneys, Bladder or Uterus
-promotes Urine; stranguria, Stones
-obstructed Menstruation

2. Clears Phlegm from the Lungs

3. Moves the Blood, clears Stasis:
-Amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea
-Hemorrhoids; Venous Congestion; Varicose Veins

4. Externally:
-poultice helps Fractures and Dislocations (internally and externally)

DOSE:
1–3 grams (half–1 dram) in powder;
3–6 grams (1–2 drams) in decoction

SUBSTITUTE:
1. Asparagus root;
2. Culpeper said to ‘use them like Grass (Couch) roots’.

Main Combinations:
Butcher's Broom root is commonly used with the other Opening Roots. Decocted in white wine, they are given for Strangury, difficult Urination, as well as Jaundice and to promote Menstruation.

1. To cleanse the Blood, for Fever, and to promote Urine: Butcher's Broom root with Couch grass, Fennel root, Parsley root, Cleavers, Dandelion, Currants, a a decoction (as in Depurating Decoction)
2. Promote Menstruation,:
i. Butcher's Broom root with Madder, Cyperus, Asparagus root, Valerian, Pennyroyal, Licorice (as in Emmenagogue Syrup)
ii. Butcher's Broom root with Madder, Couch grass, Carrot seed, Nigella seed, Mugwort, Marjoram (as in Syrup of Mugwort Lesser)
3. Variciose veins:
i. Butcher's Broom root with Horse Chestnut, Oak bark, Yarrow, Cinnamon
ii. Butcher's Broom root with Horse Chestnut, Oak bark, Frankincense externally

Major Formulas
Opening Roots - Five & Two
Decoction to Purify
Syrup of Five Opening Roots
Wine for Scrophula (Renodeus)
Tincture for Paralysis

Cautions:

Main Preparations used: