Butcher’s Broom

A plant closely related to Asparagus, with young shoots that resemble and can be eaten like the familiar vegetable. Its medicinal effects are related to its ability to stimulate the body’s release of norepinephrine, which lengthens the time blood takes to clot and constricts the blood vessels.

It is widely used in Europe to prevent potentially deadly post-operative blood clots, and can also be helpful in less serious ailments such as poor circulation, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and chronic swelling of the ankles and lower legs.