from "20,000 Secrets of Tea: The Most Effective Ways to Benefit from Nature's Healing Herbs"

by Victoria Zak

Butcher's Broom (ruscus aculeatus)

"the clean sweeper"

A native of Europe, butcher's broom is all branches and no leaves. It produces small greenish flowers and red berries. In England, its branches were tied in bundles to use for brooms to clean cutting blocks in butcher shops.

Cleanser. Butcher's broom is one of the best internal cleansers to remove toxins and renew energy. Butcher's broom tea can make a clean sweep through your kidneys and liver. (it's good for prostate too)

Energizer. Butcher's broom is an invigorating, anti-aging, tea that renews energy by renewing circulation, which provides oxygen to the body and brain. It also strengthens muscles and blood vessels, and it "moves" blood to relieve stagnation.

Swollen legs and ankles. Butcher's broom boosts circulation - especially in the legs. It is used to prevent fluid retention in the legs and ankles, often called edema.

Uses through the ages. Studies in France showed that butcher's broom significantly reduced the incidence of clotting after surgery.

Beneficent Parts. Roots and seeds.

Properties: Vitamins B1, B3, C, Calcium, Iron, Manganese, Potassium, Selenium, Sodium, Zinc

Values: Circulatory Tonic, Diuretic, Diaphoretic, Oxygenator, Energizer, Anti-Inflammatory