Broom

Sarothamnus scoparius

Leguminosea

Citations

Names : Scotch Broom, Irish Broom, Broomtops, Besom.

Habitat : British Isles, Europe and naturalized in North America, South
Africa and parts of Asia.

Collection : May be gathered throughout the spring, summer and autumn.
The tops may be dried in the sun or by heat.

Part Used :  Flowering tops.

Constituents :	o Quinolizidine alkaloids; sparteine, lupanine, 
		  13-hydroxy-lupanine, isosparteine, ammodendrine,
		  N-methylangustifoline, dihydro-lupanine and various 
		  derivatives.

		o Phenethylamines such as tyramine, hydroxytyramine, epinine
		  and salsolidine

		o Isoflavone glycosides including genistein, 3-0-methylorobol,
		  7-glucosyl-3-0-methylorobol, scoparin and sarothamnoside

		o Other flavonoids such as quercitin, isoquercitin and
		  spiraeoside

		o Essential oil, containing cis-3-hexen-1-ol, 1-octen-3-ol, 
		  benzylalcohol, phenol, cresols, guiacol, eugenol, 
		  isovaleric acid and benzoic acid

		o Miscellaneous; caffeic and p-coumaric acids, tannins and
		  pigments. The seeds contain lectins (phytohaemagglutinins).

Actions : Cardioactive diuretic, hypertensive, peripheral vasoconstrictor,
astringent.

Indications :  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.

	Kings Dispensatory warns against high dosage as it can cause unwanted
symptoms of impaired vision, vomiting and profuse sweating.

Combinations :  Broom can be combined with Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn
Berries when treating the heart.
      CAUTION: Do not use Broom in pregnancy or hypertension. 

Preparations & Dosage :  Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1
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.