Butcher's Broom: What It Is and How to Use It
Butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is a spiny evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean, whose tough root has been used in European herbal tradition for centuries — and whose stiff branches were once bundled into brooms by butchers, hence the name. You can find it at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805, in our bulk herb section.
Available in Bulk
We carry butcher's broom in our bulk herb section, so you can grab the exact amount you want — from a spoonful to try in a blend to a full bag for ongoing use. Our staff can help you find it and answer questions about traditional preparation.
What We Carry
We stock butcher's broom root in cut and sifted form, sold by weight. We also carry a wide range of traditional European roots and circulatory-support herbs in bulk for customers building custom blends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called butcher's broom?
Butchers in southern Europe traditionally swept their cutting blocks with stiff bundles of the plant's branches — the leaves are reduced to sharp, spine-tipped cladodes that made an effective scrubbing brush. The name stuck even as the plant became better known as an herbal ingredient. It is still grown ornamentally for its glossy evergreen foliage and bright red berries.
What was butcher's broom traditionally used for?
In European folk herbalism, butcher's broom root was traditionally used to support leg comfort and circulation — old herbals recommended it for tired, heavy-feeling legs. Modern European herbal references continue to describe it as traditionally used for venous comfort. These are traditional uses, not medical recommendations.
What does butcher's broom taste like?
The root is mildly bitter and earthy, with none of the spiny character of the branches — only the root is used herbally. It is traditionally prepared as a decoction (simmered in water for 15–20 minutes) or blended into formulas with other roots. On its own it makes a plain, slightly bitter brew.
Is butcher's broom related to regular broom plants?
No. Despite the name, it is not related to Scotch broom or other broom shrubs — butcher's broom is in the asparagus family, believe it or not. Its "leaves" are actually flattened stems called cladodes, an adaptation to dry Mediterranean conditions.
Did you know? Butcher's broom is one of the few plants whose flowers and fruits grow directly out of the middle of its "leaves" — the tiny greenish flowers bloom from the center of each cladode, later developing into cherry-red berries (source: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew plant profiles).
Visit William's Natural Foods at 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA — open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. Our staff are happy to help you find butcher's broom in the bulk herb section.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional about any health questions.