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Dietary supplement

Butcher's Broom Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbal Terra

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Butcher's Broom is a dietary supplement by Herbal Terra with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, leg swelling and heaviness.Based on those ingredients, 158 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are certified organic Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus) dried root liquid extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Butcher's Broom by Herbal Terra

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: a dried root liquid extract of Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus). The extract is suspended in a menstruum (the liquid used to prepare herbal extracts).

That's it—no other active ingredients.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: circulation and vein health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), Varicose veins, Hemorrhoids, leg swelling, venous insufficiency.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Butcher's Broom is rated "Possibly Effective" for Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Butcher's Broom is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Hemorrhoids, Varicose veins.

Butcher's Broom is possibly effective for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)—a condition where blood pools in your leg veins and causes swelling, pain, and skin changes. The evidence is solid enough to suggest it may help, but it's not definitive.

For diabetic retinopathy (eye damage from diabetes), hemorrhoids, orthostatic hypotension (dizziness when you stand up), and lymphedema (fluid buildup in limbs), the evidence we hold is too limited to say whether it works. If you're considering it for any of those other uses, talk it over with your doctor about whether there's a better-studied option for your situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Butcher's Broom

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Butcher's Broom is generally well tolerated in the short term for most healthy adults, but we don't have strong data on long-term safety. The most common side effects when taken by mouth are digestive upset: diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and stomach inflammation.

One hospitalized case involved severe vomiting and diarrhea leading to dehydration and electrolyte problems, though that person had poorly controlled diabetes. If applied to skin, it can cause a rash in sensitive people.

During pregnancy, safety hasn't been established, so it's best avoided. The same goes for breastfeeding—there isn't enough information to know whether it's safe, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're pregnant or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Butcher's Broom

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Butcher's Broom.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 158 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, double-check with your own pharmacist or doctor if you're on alpha-adrenergic agonists (like pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, or certain ADHD and blood-pressure medications)—butcher's broom may increase their effects and side effects. Also confirm if you take alpha-adrenergic antagonists (like doxazosin, terazosin, or prazosin for blood pressure)—this product may weaken how well they work.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Butcher's Broom may be worth considering if you have chronic venous insufficiency and want to explore herbal options—the evidence suggests it might help. But if you take any blood-pressure medication, decongestant, or stimulant, you'll need to check with your own pharmacist or doctor first, because this product can strengthen or weaken how those drugs work.

Stick to short-term use unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise, and watch for digestive upset.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 25, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Butcher's Broom, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbal Terra
Barcode (UPC) 7429523675664
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2020
DSLD ID 235474
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic, Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Butcher's Broom by Herbal Terra, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
7429523675664
IngredientAmount% DV
certified organic Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus) dried root liquid extract970 mg--

Other ingredients: Menstruum

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

Origin of plant material: Croatia.

Manufactured in the USA in an FDA registered facility

Alcohol free

Dried herb/menstruum ratio: 1:3 Expertly extracted Laboratory tested 330 mg/1 mL Premium product Alcohol-free liquid herbal extract

Non GMO

No artificial ingredients, GMO, gluten, color additives, fillers, preservatives or binders. Natural Gluten Free

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Direction Shake well before use. Adults take up to 30 drops (1 mL, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) in 3-4 fl. oz of juice or water up to 4 times a day. We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking this or any other herbal supplements.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

Notice This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Precautions

Caution May have contraindications.

Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.

Consult a physician before using during pregnancy, if nursing, or if you are on any medications.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry, dark place.

Formula

Ruscus aculeatus

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Made in USA Made in an FDA registered facility Natural Gluten Free

See for yourself

Butcher's Broom by Herbal Terra label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Butcher's Broom by Herbal Terra

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

970 mg per serving

Butcher's broom is a plant extract most often used for circulation problems in the legs, such as chronic venous insufficiency, where some evidence sug...

Certified organic Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus) dried root liquid extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Menstruum. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Butcher's Broom by Herbal Terra Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Butcher's Broom?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
158Drugs
158 Moderate

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Butcher's Broom with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

certified organic Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus) dried root liquid extract2 drug types · 158 drugs

Alpha-Adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.
Animal and in vitro studies show that butcher's broom has alpha-adrenergic agonist effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Alpha-Adrenergic Antagonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might reduce the effects of alpha-adrenergic antagonists.
Animal and in vitro studies show that butcher's broom has alpha-adrenergic agonist effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Butcher's Broom, from the product label.

Herbal Terra

See all Herbal Terra products
Name
Herbal Terra
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Butcher's Broom by Herbal Terra: Common Questions

Does Butcher's Broom by Herbal Terra interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Butcher's Broom has a known interaction with 158 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Butcher's Broom contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is Butcher's Broom safe to take long-term?
It's generally well tolerated in the short term, but we don't have solid evidence on long-term safety. If you're thinking of taking it regularly, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how long is appropriate for you.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Safety hasn't been established in pregnancy, so it's best avoided. For breastfeeding, there also isn't enough information to know either way—discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist if you're nursing or planning to nurse.
What does Butcher's Broom actually do?
The evidence suggests it's possibly effective for chronic venous insufficiency—a condition where blood pools in your leg veins and causes swelling and pain. For other uses like hemorrhoids or diabetic eye damage, the evidence is too limited to say whether it works.
What side effects should I watch for?
The most common ones are digestive: diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and stomach irritation. If you apply it to your skin, it may cause a rash in sensitive people.
Can I take this with my blood-pressure medication?
That depends on which one you take. Butcher's Broom can interact with both alpha-adrenergic agonists and antagonists—medications that affect your blood vessels and nerves. Check the name of your medication with the interaction tool on this page or confirm directly with your pharmacist before starting.

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

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Butcher's Broom label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Butcher's Broom's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 8 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Butcher's Broom 8 references
  1. Beltramino R, Penenory A, Buceta AM. An open-label, randomized multicenter study comparing the efficacy and safety of Cyclo 3 Fort versus hydroxyethyl rutoside in chronic venous lymphatic insufficiency. Angiology 2000;51:535-44.. PubMed
  2. Redman DA. Ruscus aculeatus (butcher's broom) as a potential treatment for orthostatic hypotension, with a case report. J Altern Complement Med 2000;6:539-49..
  3. Landa, N., Aguirre, A., Goday, J., Raton, J. A., and Diaz-Perez, J. L. Allergic contact dermatitis from a vasoconstrictor cream. Contact Dermatitis 1990;22(5):290-291. PubMed
  4. Cluzan, R. V., Alliot, F., Ghabboun, S., and Pascot, M. Treatment of secondary lymphedema of the upper limb with CYCLO 3 FORT. Lymphology 1996;29(1):29-35.
  5. Parrado F, Buzzi A. A study of the efficacy and tolerability of a preparation containing Ruscus aculeatus in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. Clin Drug Invest 1999;18(4):255-61. DOI
  6. Sadarmin PP, Timperley J. An unusual case of Butcher's Broom precipitating diabetic ketoacidosis. J Emerg Med 2013;45(3):e63-e65. PubMed
  7. Ramirez-Hernandez M, Garcia-Selles J, Merida-Fernandez C, Martinez-Escribano JA. Allergic contact dermatitis to ruscogenins. Contact Dermatitis 2006;54(1):60. PubMed
  8. European Medicines Agency. Assessment report on Ruscus Aculeatus L rhizome. EMEA/HMPC/261939/2007. London, September 4, 2008. Available at: http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Herbal_-_HMPC_assessment_report/2009/12/WC500018288.pdf. Acces

See these in context on the Butcher's Broom monograph →

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.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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