herb data, Broom, Sarothamnus scoparius, Scotch Broom, Irish Broom, Broomtops, Besom, broom tops, holisticonline.com

Herb Information

Name: Broom

Biological Name: Sarothamnus scoparius

Leguminosea

Other Names: Scotch Broom, Irish Broom, Broomtops, Besom, Broom, broom tops

Parts Used: Flowering tops, seed

Active Compounds:

	Quinolizidine alkaloids; sparteine, lupanine, l3-hydroxy-lupanine, isosparteine, ammodendrine, N-methylangustifoline, dihydro-lupanine and various derivatives.
	Phenethylamines such as tyramine, hydroxytyramine, epinine and salsolidine
	Isoflavone glycosides including genistein, 3-0-methylorobol, 7-glucosyl-3-0- methylorobol, scoparin and sarothamnoside
	Other flavonoids such as quercitin, isoquercitin and spiraeoside
	Essential oil, containing cis-3-hexen-l-ol, l-octen-3-ol, benzylalcohol, phenol, cresols, guiacol, eugenol, isovaleric acid and benzoic acid
	Miscellaneous; caffeic and p-coumaric acids, tannins and pigments. The seeds contain lectins (phytohaemagglutinins).

Remedies For:

Cardioactive diuretic, hypertensive, peripheral vasoconstrictor, astringent.

Broom is a valuable remedy where there is a weak heart and low blood pressure. Since it is also a diuretic and produces peripheral constriction of the blood vessels while increasing the efficiency of each stroke of the heart, it can be used where water retention occurs due to heart weakness. Broom is used in cases of over-profuse menstruation.

Kloss describes the action of this herb in his book "Back to Eden" thus:

"It is excellent for dropsy, toothache, ague, gout, sciatica, swelling of the spleen, jaundice, kidney and bladder troubles, especially in cases of gravel in the bladder. Makes an excellent remedy when used with uva ursi, cleavers, and dandelion for cleansing the kidneys and bladder, and to increase the flow of urine. Broom is of great service in dropsy caused by a weak heart. Makes a good ointment for lice or vermin."

Description:

Broom is native to British Isles and Europe. It is naturalized in North America, South Africa and parts of Asia.

Dosage:

Infusion: Pour a cup of boiling water onto l teaspoonful of the dried herb and let infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: Take 1-2ml of the tincture three times a day.

Combinations : Broom can be combined with Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn Berries when treating the heart.

Safety:

CAUTION: Consuming high doses of this herb can cause unwanted symptoms of impaired vision, vomiting and profuse sweating. Do not use Broom in pregnancy or hypertension.

Broom contains alkaloids and hydroxytyramine, and should not be used except under proper medical supervision.