Butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus) has a long-standing traditional use in Europe for improving venous circulation and treating conditions like chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, and phlebitis. The scientific support for its use in phlebitis, while not as robust as for chronic venous insufficiency, is moderate and primarily based on its vasoconstrictive and anti-inflammatory properties. The active compounds in butcher's broom, particularly ruscogenins, have demonstrated the ability to constrict blood vessels and reduce capillary permeability, thereby diminishing inflammation and swelling in venous disorders.

Several clinical studies and reviews have found that butcher's broom extracts, often combined with other compounds such as hesperidin methyl chalcone and ascorbic acid, can improve symptoms associated with venous insufficiency, such as leg swelling, pain, and heaviness. These benefits are relevant to phlebitis, which is characterized by vein inflammation and often presents similar symptoms. However, direct studies specifically targeting phlebitis are limited, and most data come from broader investigations into venous disorders. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) acknowledges the traditional and scientific rationale for butcher's broom in venous health, though it also notes the need for more high-quality clinical trials.

In summary, butcher's broom is supported by a combination of traditional use and moderate scientific evidence for treating symptoms associated with phlebitis, primarily due to its anti-inflammatory and venotonic effects, but more targeted research is warranted to confirm its efficacy specifically for phlebitis.