Herb & supplement monograph

Dyer's Broom Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Dyer's Broom interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Dyer's Broom is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Dyer's Broom is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Dyer's Broom

29 medications have a known interaction with Dyer's Broom, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

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Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Dyer's Broom using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Dyer's Broom interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

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What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Dyer's Broom combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Dyer's Broom affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Dyer's Broom is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Dyer's Broom interacts with

Caffeine

Theoretically, dyer's broom might reduce the clearance of caffeine.
Dyer's broom contains genistein. Taking genistein 1 gram daily for 14 days seems to inhibit caffeine clearance and metabolism in healthy females. This effect has been attributed to inhibition of the cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) enzyme, which is involved in caffeine metabolism. It is unclear if this effect occurs with the lower amounts of genistein found in dyer's broom.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Dyer's Broom: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Dyer's broom is a European flowering plant best known historically as a source of yellow textile dye, with some traditional medicinal uses. There is very little reliable human research to support any health benefit, and it contains compounds that can be toxic in larger amounts, so it should be used cautiously, if at all. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before trying it.

Scientific name: Genista tinctoria
Family: Fabaceae
Part used: Flowering tops, stems, and sometimes roots
Common forms: Tea, dried herb, tincture, topical preparations

People commonly use it for

Skin irritation
Respiratory complaints
Gout
Lower back and pelvic pain
Digestive upset
As a natural yellow dye

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

It contains potentially toxic alkaloids and has little safety data, so caution is advised.

PregnancyPossibly Unsafe

When used orally. Dyer's broom may have uterine stimulant activity.

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

Dyer's broom (Genista tinctoria) is a small flowering shrub in the pea family. It is native to Europe and parts of North Africa and Asia, where it grows in meadows, grasslands, and along roadsides. It produces bright yellow flowers and has long, slender green stems.

For centuries, the plant was prized as a source of yellow dye used to color fabric, often combined with other plants to make green. Beyond its use as a dye, folk and traditional medicine practitioners have used dyer's broom for a range of complaints, including skin problems, breathing issues, gout, and digestive trouble.

Today it is rarely found as a mainstream supplement. When used, it usually appears as a dried herb, tea, or tincture.

Uses & effectiveness

The traditional uses of dyer's broom are based mostly on historical and folk practice, not on modern clinical trials. People have used it for skin irritation, respiratory problems, gout, lower back and pelvic pain, and digestive complaints.

The scientific evidence for these uses is very limited. There are few, if any, good-quality human studies showing that dyer's broom treats any medical condition. Most of what is known comes from laboratory research on the plant's chemical compounds, which cannot tell us whether it is safe or effective for people.

Because the evidence is so weak, dyer's broom should not be relied on to treat any health problem. If you are dealing with a condition like gout or a breathing issue, proven treatments are available and worth discussing with your doctor.

How it works

Dyer's broom contains several natural plant compounds, including flavonoids (such as the yellow pigments responsible for its use as a dye), and small amounts of quinolizidine alkaloids like cytisine. It also contains compounds that have been studied in the lab for possible effects on hormones and the nervous system.

Some of these alkaloids can act on the body in ways similar to nicotine and may affect the heart, blood pressure, and uterus. The plant's flavonoids have shown antioxidant activity in laboratory tests.

It is important to understand that these are mostly test-tube and animal findings. They do not prove that dyer's broom works for any human condition, and the alkaloid content is also a reason for safety concerns.

Safety & precautions

Dyer's broom has not been well studied for safety in people. It contains alkaloids that can be toxic in larger amounts, potentially causing effects on the heart, blood pressure, and nervous system. Because the strength of these compounds can vary from plant to plant, there is no clear safe dose.

Who should be especially careful:

People with heart conditions or high or low blood pressure
People with kidney or liver problems
Children and older adults
Anyone taking prescription medications (check with a pharmacist first)

Pregnancy: Avoid dyer's broom during pregnancy. Compounds in the plant may affect the uterus, and there is not enough information to consider it safe.

Breastfeeding: Avoid use while breastfeeding, since it is unknown whether its compounds pass into breast milk or are safe for an infant.

When in doubt, talk to a pharmacist or doctor before using this herb.

Side effects

Because dyer's broom is not widely used or studied, its full side effect profile is not well documented. Based on its alkaloid content, possible effects—especially with larger amounts—may include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and changes in heart rate or blood pressure.

In high doses, plants in the broom family can cause more serious toxic effects. Stop using it and seek medical care if you feel unwell after taking it. As with any plant product, allergic reactions are also possible.

Dyer's Broom: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Dyer's Broom from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Reports by condition

Diarrhea Gastrointestinal

Orally, dyer's broom may cause nausea and vomiting. Overuse of dyer's broom can lead to diarrhea.

McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no established standard dose for dyer's broom, and no reliable human research to guide safe amounts. The concentration of active compounds can vary widely between products and plant batches.

If you choose to use a commercial product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed them. Because of the potential for toxicity, it is best to check with a pharmacist or doctor before using dyer's broom, and to avoid homemade preparations where the dose is unknown.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Dyer's Broom & Pregnancy

Possibly Unsafe

When used orally. Dyer's broom may have uterine stimulant activity.

McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.

Dyer's Broom & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 3 references that drive our Dyer's Broom monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
Chen, Y., Xiao, C. Q., He, Y. J., Chen, B. L., Wang, G., Zhou, G., Zhang, W., Tan, Z. R., Cao, S., Wang, L. P., and Zhou, H. H. Genistein alters caffeine exposure in healthy female volunteers. Eur.J Clin.Pharmacol. 2011;67(4):347-353. PubMed

Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Dyer's Broom

2 brands in our database make a supplement containing Dyer's Broom.

TerraVita 2,475 products TerraVita Premium Collection 4,019 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Dyer's Broom

8 products in our database contain Dyer's Broom. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Dyer's Broom: Common Questions

Does Dyer's Broom interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 29 medications with a known interaction with Dyer's Broom. Use the checker above to see how Dyer's Broom interacts with a specific drug.

How are Dyer's Broom interactions rated?

Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.

Is it safe to take Dyer's Broom with my medications?

It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.

Where does this Dyer's Broom interaction information come from?

Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.

What is Dyer's Broom used for?

Traditionally it has been used for skin irritation, respiratory problems, gout, back and pelvic pain, and digestive complaints, and historically as a yellow dye for fabric. However, there is very little scientific evidence that it works for any health condition.

Is Dyer's Broom safe to take?

Its safety is not well established. The plant contains alkaloids that can be toxic in larger amounts, so it should be used cautiously, if at all, and only after talking with a pharmacist or doctor.

Can I use Dyer's Broom while pregnant or breastfeeding?

No. It is best avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding because compounds in the plant may affect the uterus and there is not enough information to consider it safe.

Is Dyer's Broom the same as Scotch broom?

They are different but related plants in the pea family. Both contain similar alkaloids and carry similar safety concerns, but they are distinct species and should not be confused.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Dyer's Broom

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Dyer's Broom — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

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