Fw: scotch broom/cytisus scoparius

[Guest guest]

Contents: Common NamesParts Usually UsedPlant(s) & CultureWhere FoundMedicinal PropertiesBiochemical Information Legends, Myths and StoriesUsesFormulas or DosagesWarningBibliography Common Names Broom flowersBroom topsButcher's broomCommon broomIrish broomLinkScotch broomBack to Top Parts Usually Used Young flowering twigs, tops, and seeds Back to Top Description of Plant(s) and Culture An attractive, evergreen shrub, it has bright green, almost leafless stems; erect green branches from which oval leaflets grow, with bright yellow pea-like flowers, much favored by butterflies, blooms in April to June. The height ranges from 3-10 feet and can be trimmed back after flowering for a more compact shape. Unlike gorse, with which it is sometimes confused, broom rarely sports any prickles. The fruit is a brownish-black, shaggy pod contains 12-18 seeds. Requires full sun, prefers poor soil with perfect drainage. Another herb, called Butcher's Broom (Ruscus acluteatus) is extremely popular among European women. They use it to treat discomfort and pain of restless leg syndrome, caused by poor circulation; that heavy leg feeling. Back to Top Where Found A native of Europe, Asia, and Africa, broom has become naturalized in some parts of North America. Found on dry, gravely banks, heaths and hillsides, particularly in the rural areas of the western United States. Back to Top Medicinal Properties Tops: cathartic, diureticSeed: cathartic, emetic Back to Top Biochemical Information Alkaloids, hydroxylramine, 42% potash, and ruscogenins, tannin, bitter principle, and traces of an essential oil. Back to Top Legends, Myths and Stories Broom is one of the nine fairy herbs, and a cologne prepared from its flowers is said to inspire affection. The branches of this shrub produced crude but useful brooms, hence the name. Scotch broom is used in beer makings and flavorings. Back to Top Uses For circulatory disorders, gout, leg cramps, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, phlebitis, thrombosis, and jaundice . Good for kidney and bladder. Relieves inflammation. Excellent for dropsy, toothache, ague, acute constipation, swelling of the spleen. Used with uva-ursi, cleavers, and dandelion makes an excellent remedy for cleansing the kidneys and bladder, and to increase the flow of urine. Makes a good ointment for lice or vermin. A cardiac depressant to quiet an overactive heart. A lymph tonic. One of the legumes, it also increases available nitrogen in the soil, benefiting plants growing around it, and is a collector of calcium. Back to Top _________Get more from your time online. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com _________Get more from your time online. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com