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Broom Cytisus scoparius.
Common name: Broom tops, Irish tops, basam, bizzom, browne, brum, bream, green broom.
Occurrence:
indigenous to England and commonly found on heathland throughout Great Britain , Europe and northern Asia.
Parts used:
the young herbaceous tops that contain sparteine and scoparin as the active components.
Medicinal uses:
diuretic and cathartic. The broom tops may be used as a decoction or infusion to aid dropsy, while if the tops are pressed and treated broom juice is obtained. This fluid extract is generally used in combination with other diuretic compounds. An infusion of broom, agrimony and dandelion root is excellent in remedying bladder, kidney and liver trouble. Cytisus should be used carefully as the sparteine has a strong effect on the heart and, depending upon dose, can cause weakness of the heart similar to that caused by hemlock (Conium maculatum). Death can occur in extreme cases if the respiratory organ's activity is impaired.
Administered as: fluid extract and infusion.
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