Looking for a natural way to reduce the appearance of dark, undereye circles? We’ve got it for you. Butcher’s broom—also known as “knee holly” and “Jew’s myrtle”—is a low, evergreen shrub that can give your eyes a plumper, more even look.
In addition, this unique natural ingredient also helps moisturize skin, providing for a brighter, more youthful look around the eyes.
A Little About Butcher's Broom
Scientifically called Ruscus aculeatus, this shrub grows to about three feet high. It’s thought to have been nicknamed “knee holly” because when mature, it can reach the height of a human’s knee. The leaves are evergreen and prickly, with tough, green stems that grow on the upper part of many short branches. Small, greenish-white flowers grow from the center of the leaves and blossom in spring.
Where does it grow?
The shrub likes to grow in woodlands and hedgerows, and is tolerant of deep shade. It’s hardy, however, and will thrive in almost any soil type. You’ll also find it on coastal cliffs. The matured branches used to be bound together into bundles and sold to butchers for sweeping their blocks—hence, the name.
Internal Health Benefits of Butcher's Broom
The main benefit of butcher’s broom is vascular health. One of the major constituents of the extract (which most often comes from the root, though other parts of the plant may also be used) is called “ruscogenin,” and has demonstrated internal anti-inflammatory effects in the lab.
Butcher’s broom may also help with conditions like constipation, leg cramps, and circulatory disorders. It’s also a mild diuretic, and can encourage the flushing of water from the body.
Benefits to the Skin
Butcher’s broom is a wonder in eye creams. The properties of butcher’s broom help to temporarily reduce the appearance of unwanted darkness under the eyes.
Here are some more of the benefits you can expect:
Fades appearance of dark circles
Components help fade appearance of dark circles.
Gentle
This is a great product for those with sensitive skin. When used topically, it is not linked with any type of irritation.
Anti-itch
Butcher’s broom can help with occasional itching.
Cleansing
Cleansing around the eyes can also help them look more awake. The pore-reducing quality of butcher’s broom helps skin appear smoother overall, and is also beneficial for those with clogged pores and oily skin.
Try It!
Try our Anti-Aging Eye Cream and see if you notice an improvement in the appearance of your skin tone, under eye circles and puffiness. We’d love to hear about your results!
The following post Butcher’s Broom for Skin: Reduce the Appearance of Dark Circles was first published on Annmarie Skin Care.
Have you tried butcher’s broom? Share your experience with us in the comments!