Medicinal Plants : Sarothamnus scoparius

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.

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.