Buchu

Species Name: Barosma betulina, Agathosma betulina, Agathosma crenultata.

Other Names by Which Buchu is known: Barosma crenultata or betulina crenulata.

Buchu is either of two small flowering shrubs native to South Africa Agathosma betulina, and Agathaosma crenulata.

 Leaves of these two species, which are rich in essential oils, have traditionally been used as an herbal remedy for ailments of the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts. 

They have also been widely used as a flavoring agent for tea, candy, and alcoholic beverages, especially brandy.

What is Buchu: Buchu is a low shrub native to the Cape region of South Africa. The dried leaves are harvested during the flowering season. The oil can be obtained by steam distillation of the leaves.

Home Remedies using Buchu:

Benefits of Buchu:

Buchu leaf preparations have a long history of use in herbal medicine as both a urinary tract disinfectant and a diuretic. Buchu was used by herbalists to treat urinary tract infections, and inflammation, as well as inflammation of the prostate.

 Buchu was also used to treat gout. The urinary tract antiseptic actions of buchu are thought to be due to the volatile oils it contains. The primary volatile oil component thought to have antibacterial action is monoterpene disophenol.

Buchu is an African term for aromatic plants, so the original use of buchu by the native peoples of southern Africa is unclear. It appears to have been applied topically, possibly as an insect repellant, and also used internally for stomach problems, rheumatism and bladder problems.

Uses for Buchu:

It can be used for fluid retention, prostate problems, urinary tract infections, and urinary tract infection prevention.

Traditional recommendations for the herb, Buchu, it is recommended to include the use of one to two grams of the dried leaf taken three times daily in capsules or in a tea. Tinctures can be used at two to four ml. three times each day.

Side Effects of Buchu:

Buchu may cause gastrointestinal irritation, and should be taken with food. It should not be used by pregnant or breast-feeding women. Anyone taking loop diuretics, Spironolactone, Thiazide Diuretics should avoid Buchu.