Q. I have had good results using butcher’s broom for restless legs syndrome. It doesn’t work immediately, but it’s non-toxic, inexpensive and effective long-term.
A. Butcher’s broom, Ruscus aculeatus, has been used for hemorrhoids and problems like varicose veins and leg cramps. It may be effective against chronic venous insufficiency because it reduces the pooling of blood in the legs and helps protect the lining of the veins.
Another herb that can be beneficial for venous insufficiency is horse chestnut, Aesculus hippocastanum. Its traditional uses also include hemorrhoids, diarrhea and varicose veins.
We don’t know, however, if horse chestnut extract would be as helpful for restless legs syndrome as you have found butcher’s broom to be.
photo credit: flickr user Katya under creative commons license
