Butcher's Broom / Horse Chestnut

Butcher's Broom is also known by the names Box Holly, Kneeholm, Kneeholy, and Sweet Broom. Butcher's Broom is so named because the mature branches were bundled and used as brooms by butchers to clean their cutting blocks. The young shoots were sometimes eaten as food. Ancient physicians used the roots as a diuretic in the treatment of urinary problems. Mediterranean healers had used the rhizome for the treatment of a variety of inflammatory disorders. Butcher's Broom has been used for centuries to improve circulation and to relieve discomfort caused by constipation and water retention. Rich in flavonoids such as rutin, Butcher's Broom strengthens the capillary walls and tightens veins supporting the circulatory system. It also promotes blood flow to the brain, hands and legs. Today, Butcher's Broom is also used to alleviate inflammation brought on by carpal tunnel, arthritis, rheumatism, and varicose veins. Butcher's Broom can also be taken to enhance the health of the kidney and bladder. Butcher's Broom contains saponin glycosides called ruscogenins. Research has shown that these ruscogenins possess vasoconstrictive and anti-inflammatory properties. These active ingredients reduce the fragility and permeability of capillaries and constrict the veins. These plant saponin glycosides are the starter compounds for important steroid compounds in the human body. Butcher's Broom has also been taken for weight loss because it contains glycolic acid, a constituent which produces diuretic action.

Horse Chestnut is native to Asia and northern Greece, but it is now cultivated in many areas of Europe and North America. The parts of this plant used medicinally are the seeds, bark, and leaves. Primary chemical constituents of Horse Chestnut include saponins (aescin), glycosides (aesculin and fraxin), hydroquinine, tannins, and flavones. It is believed that the aescin content inhibits inflammation in cells without weakening phagocytosis. The unique actions of Horse Chestnut are on the vessels of the circulatory system. This herb seems to increase the strength and tone of the veins, in particular. It inhibits the enzyme hyaluronidase, and makes veins less permeable and less fragile. Horse Chestnut can improve the tone of veins and increase the flow of blood through them. Horse Chestnut leaves have been used as a cough remedy and to reduce fevers. They were also believed to reduce pain and inflammation of arthritis and rheumatism. Externally, Horse Chestnut has been used as a lotion for pain relief from hemorrhoids, rheumatism, swellings, varicose veins, and leg ulcers. Primary internal uses for Horse Chestnut are for support of capillary weakness, edema, frostbite, hemorrhoids, phlebitis, and varicose veins. Horse Chestnut also helps move congestion, and strengthening the capillaries while decreasing their permeability. Horse Chestnut is also utilized extensively in Europe as an anti-inflammatory agent for a variety of health conditions, in addition to being used for vascular problems.