Scotch Broom


Scotch Broom

About 50 species of evergreen and deciduous shrubs and small trees belong to this genus, which is closely related to Genista (See, Dyer's greenweed) and occurs in N Africa, W Asia, and Europe. Cytisus scoparius, a native of European heaths, waste ground, and woods, is a familiar plant in the wild and in cultivation. It contains alkaloids, notably sparteine, which affects the heart and nerves in similar ways to curare (see, Chondodendron, spp. Pariera, and Strychnos spp. Strychnine). Most of the brooms stocked by garden centers are hybrids not suitable for medicinal use. Medicinal uses of C. scoparius are listed in early European herbals under Planta genista, from which the British royal house of Plantagenet took its name.

Erect shrub with slender, arching, green branches, and mostly trifoliate leaves, 1-2cm (3/8-¾in) long. Bright yellow pea flowers, 1.5-2.5cm (½ to1in) long, appear in summer, followed by black pods, 2.5-4cm (1-1½in) long.


Common Name:
Scotch Broom
Other Names:
Broom
Botanical Name:
Cytisus scoparius syn Sarothamnus scoparius
Genus:
Cytisus
Family:
Papilionaceae
Native Location:
W Europe
Cultivation:
Well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Cut back shoots by two-thirds after flowering. Cytisus does not transplant well. Subject to statuatory control as a weed in some countries, notably in parts of Australia.
Propagation:
By seed sown in spring or autumn; by ripewood cuttings in midsummer; by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer. Germination is erratic.
Harvest:
Tops of shoots are cut as flowering begins and dried for use in decoctions, infusions, liquid extracts, and tinctures; stocks are renewed annually.
Height:
1.5-2m (5-6ft)
Width:
1.5-2m (5-6ft)
Variations:
f. andreanus
Has bicolored red and yellow flowers.

Subsp. maritimus syn. var. prostratus
Is low-growing with arching, overlapping stems and gray-green foliage.
Height: 20cm (8in)
Width: 1.5m (5ft)
Hardiness:
Z5-8
Parts Used:
Whole plant, Leaves
Properties:
A bitter, narcotic herb that depresses respiration, regulates heart action, and had diuretic and purgative effects.
Chemical Constituents:
  • Cytisine
  • Genisteine
  • Hydroxytyramine
  • Sarothammine
  • Scoparin
  • Sparteine
    		•
    Known Effects:
  • Stimulates uterine contractions
  • Helps body dispose of excess fluid by increasing amount of urine produced
  • Sometimes causes sharp rise in blood pressure
    		•
    Possible Additional Effects:
  • May treat congestive heart failure
  • May produce sedative-hypnotic effect when smoked
    		•
    Medicinal Uses:
    Internally, mainly for heart complaints, especially with Convallaria majalis (See, lily of the valley) in heart failure. Excess causes respiratory collapse. Not given to pregnant women or patients with high blood pressure. For use by qualified practioners only.
    Warnings and Precautions:
    Toxic if Eaten
    This herb is subject to legal restrictions n some countries.

    Don't take if you:
  • Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near furture
  • Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, reflux esophagitis, ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, or diverticulitis

    • Consult your doctor if you:
  • Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks (There may be safer, more effective treatments.)
  • Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs

    • Pregnancy:
    Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor
    Breastfeeding:
    Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.
    Infants and Children:
    Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.
    Others:
    None are expected, if you are beyond childhood, under 45, not pregnant, basically healthy, take it only for a short time and do not exceed manufacturer's recommended dose.
    Storage:
  • Store in cool, dry area away from direct light, but don't freeze.
  • Store safely out of reach of children.
  • Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change the action of the herb.

    • Safe Dosage:
    Consult your doctor for the appropriate dose for your condition.
    Toxicity:
    Rated slightly dangerous, particularly in children, persons over 55 and those who take larger that appropriate quantities for extended periods of time.
    Adverse Reactions, Side Effects, or Overdose Symptoms:
    Signs and Symptoms: What to do:
    Diarrhea Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Nausea or Vomiting Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Bibliography:
    Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pp 189-190
    Vitamins, Herbs, Minerals & Supplements The Complete Guide. by H. Winter Griffith, MD Copyright©1998 Fisher Books pp. 434-435