Scotch Broom
Cytisus scoparius · Fabaceae
Scotch Broom
Genêt à balai
Cytisus scoparius
Sarothamnus scoparius
Fabaceae

Traditionally used
⚠ Broom's principal alkaloid, sparteine, acts on the heart — it slows conduction, steadies rhythm, and dilates the coronary vessels — and it stirs the smooth muscle of gut and womb. That cardiac and uterine reach makes it a physician's remedy, prescribed and dosed under supervision, never taken freely; overdose has caused poisoning. We record its documented cardiac and diuretic roles without recommending self-use.
In three languages
Français — ⚠ L'alcaloïde principal du genêt, la spartéine, agit sur le cœur — il ralentit la conduction, régularise le rythme et dilate les vaisseaux coronaires — et stimule les muscles lisses de l'intestin et de l'utérus. Cette portée cardiaque et utérine en fait un remède de médecin, prescrit et dosé sous surveillance, jamais pris librement ; le surdosage a provoqué des empoisonnements. Nous consignons ses rôles cardiaque et diurétique documentés sans en recommander l'usage.
Safety
Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.
Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.
Sources & lineage
Pharmacological literature; alkaloid sparteine
Kept alongside