Dyer's Broom

Botanical

What is it

Dyer's broom (Genista tinctoria) is a small European leguminous shrub used historically as a yellow dye and in traditional herbal medicine as a mild diuretic and laxative.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Diuretic / laxative (traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Limited modern clinical evidence; safer alternatives exist.

How it works

Dyer's broom contains isoflavones (genistein, daidzein), alkaloids (cytisine, sparteine), and flavonoids. Cytisine and related alkaloids are pharmacologically active at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and can be toxic at higher doses, including respiratory and cardiac effects. The isoflavones share phytoestrogenic activity similar to soy. Traditional herbal use is mainly limited due to safety concerns; modern use is uncommon.

Dosage

No established RDA. Traditional doses are very small (under 1 g of dried herb).

When and how to take it

Not recommended for routine use.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Dried flower / herb

Used historically as dye and herbal medicine.

Variable.

Safety

Alkaloid content can cause nausea, vomiting, hypotension, respiratory effects at higher doses. Pregnancy contraindicated (oxytocic alkaloids).

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, cardiovascular disease, and on cardiac or psychiatric medications.

Interactions

Interactions with cardiac medications, sedatives, and nicotinic receptor agonists are possible.

Frequently asked questions

Is dyer's broom safe to take?⌄

Not generally recommended for modern self-use due to alkaloid toxicity.

Is it the same as Scotch broom?⌄

They are related leguminous shrubs (different Genista or Cytisus species) with similar concerns.

References

Dyer's Broom on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Dyer's Broom on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Dyer's Broom (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Dyer's Broom with Pilora

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.