The Scotch broom or common broom, scientific name Cytisus scoparius, is a small shrub with golden yellow flowers. This plant has diuretic properties, useful in case of kidney stones, edema, gout, water retention and rheumatism, but scotch broom has also a vasoconstrictor effect, making it a remedy for hypotension because the broom works by narrowing blood vessels and thereby increasing the pressure. There is a cardiotonic action, too, because the plant is able to regularize the heart rate. The broom has a small toxicity, therefore it is better not to exceed with it. Avoid if you have high blood pressure or if you have kidney inflammation or infections, during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you take excessive amounts of scotch broom possible effects may be diarrhea and vomiting.
Brew for external use
Bring to boil a liter of water, remove it from heat and leave to infuse 2 tablespoons of dried flowers for 10 minutes, then filter and use, once lukewarm, for wraps and lotions that can be applied on the area affected by edema or below the belly in case of urinary retention.
Brew for internal use
Leave to infuse a teaspoon of dried flowers in a cup of boiling water for about ten minutes, filter and drink in case of dropsy. Always ask your doctor for advice because of the possible effects of the broom that can interact with medications you are taking.
