The flower buds are pickled and used as a substitute for capers[4, 46, 183, 244]. They can also be added to salads[183]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. The tender green tops of the plant have been used like hops to give a bitter flavour to beer and to render it more intoxicating[4, 183]. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute[2, 4, 115, 183].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


Broom is a bitter narcotic herb that depresses the respiration and regulates heart action[238]. It acts upon the electrical conductivity of the heart, slowing and regulating the transmission of the impulses[254]. The young herbaceous tips of flowering shoots are cardiotonic, cathartic, diuretic, emetic and vasoconstrictor[4, 13, 21, 46, 165]. The seeds can also be used[4]. The plant is used internally in the treatment of heart complaints, and is especially used in conjunction with Convallaria majalis[238]. The plant is also strongly diuretic, stimulating urine production and thus countering fluid retention[254]. Since broom causes the muscles of the uterus to contract, it has been used to prevent blood loss after childbirth[254]. Use this herb with caution since large doses are likely to upset the stomach[4, 21]. The composition of active ingredients in the plant is very changeable, this makes it rather unreliable medicinally and it is therefore rarely used[9]. This herb should not be prescribed to pregnant women or patients with high blood pressure[238]. Any treatment with this plant should only be carried out under expert supervision[9]. See also the notes above on toxicity. The young herbaceous tips of flowering shoots are harvested in spring, generally in May[4]. They can be used fresh or dried[4, 238]. They should not be stored for more than 12 months since the medicinally active ingredients break down[238].

An excellent fibre is obtained from the bark, it is used in the manufacture of paper, cloth and nets[4, 100, 115]. It is not as strong as the fibre from the Spanish broom (Spartium junceum)[4]. The fibre is obtained from the root according to other reports[13, 46]. The bark fibre is used to make paper, it is 2 - 9mm long[189]. The branches are harvested in late summer or autumn, the leaves removed and the stems steamed until the fibres can be stripped. The fibres are cooked for 3 hours in lye then put in a ball mill for 3 hours. The paper is pale tan in colour[189]. The bark is a good source of tannin[4]. A yellow and a brown dye are obtained from the bark[46]. A yellow dye is obtained from the flowering stem[169]. A green dye is obtained from the leaves and young tops[4]. The branches are used to make baskets, brushes, brooms and besoms[4, 6, 13, 46, 55, 115]. They are also sometimes used for thatching roofs and as substitutes for reeds in making fences or screens[4]. An essential oil from the flowers is used in perfumery[57]. Growing well on dry banks and on steep slopes, it is an effective sand binder and soil stabiliser[4, 11, 46]. Broom is one of the first plant to colonize sand dunes by the coast[4]. The plant attracts insects away from nearby plants[14]. The var. prostratus (= C. scoparius maritimus?[208]) makes a good fast growing ground cover plant to 30cm tall, though it needs weeding in its first year[197]. The cultivar 'Andreanus Prostratus' can also be used[208]. Wood - very hard, beautifully veined[4]. The plant seldom reaches sufficient size for its wood to be of much value, but larger specimens are valued by cabinet makers and for veneer[4].

Special Uses