Culpeper (1649) “... purge waters and are good in dropsies.” Notes: Dropsy basically means swollen ankles from fluid retention, for which there may be several causes. The expression ‘purge waters’ may mean that is was thought to increase urine output.

Culpeper, Nicholas. (1650). A Physical Directory . London, Peter Cole.

Culpeper (1650) writes: 'Genista. Broom: … clense and open the stomach, break the stone in the reins [kidneys] and bladder, help the green sickness [anaemia]. Let such as are troubled with heart qualms or faintings, forbear it, for it weakens the heart and spirit vital' and in respect of the flowers he writes: 'Broome-flowers, purge water, and are good in dropsies [now regarded as heart failure with fluid retention].'

Oakeley, Dr. Henry F. (2013). Wellcome Library notes. Link

It contains the alkaloid sparteine which is a cardiac depressant (MCA, 2002) so should not be used in heart failure.

Medicines and Health Care Regulatory Agency , MCA. (2002). Medicines and Health Care Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for restricted or prohibited herbal medicines. Medicines and Health Care Regulatory Agency . Link

Prune annually after flowering to conserve vigour and compact form. Flowers on previous year's wood. Remove two thirds of previous year's shoots which results in the removal of most of the developing seed pods. Do not cut into old hard wood as does not break freely. Prevents shrubs becoming leggy.

Brown, George E. (2004). The Pruning of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers, 2nd ed.. Timber Press. p.179

It contains the alkaloid sparteine.

Medicines and Health Care Regulatory Agency , MCA. (2002). Medicines and Health Care Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for restricted or prohibited herbal medicines. Medicines and Health Care Regulatory Agency . Link

Previously known as 'Genista' it was adopted by King Henry II of England as a heraldic device. The name 'planta genista' became the name of his dynasty - the Plantagenets. Montague-Drake has to be read with caution as he says that 'butcher's broom' was Cytisus scoparius, whereas it is normally regarded as being Ruscus aculeatus.

Montague-Drake, Blair. (1977). A Biblical Herbal. Earth Images, Australia. p.39

Africa, Macaronesia, Canary Is.

Africa, Macaronesia, Madeira

Europe, Eastern Europe, Belarus

Europe, Eastern Europe, Ukraine

Europe, Eastern Europe, Baltic States

Europe, Middle Europe, Austria

Europe, Middle Europe, Belgium

Europe, Middle Europe, Germany

Europe, Middle Europe, Hungary

Europe, Middle Europe, Netherlands

Europe, Middle Europe, Poland

Europe, Middle Europe, Switzerland

Europe, Northern Europe, Denmark

Europe, Northern Europe, Great Britain

Europe, Northern Europe, Ireland

Europe, Northern Europe, Norway

Europe, Northern Europe, Sweden

Europe, Southeastern Europe, Czech Republic

Europe, Southeastern Europe, Yugoslavia

Europe, Southeastern Europe, Italy

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Europe, Southwestern Europe, France

Europe, Southwestern Europe, Portugal

Europe, Southwestern Europe, Spain