Buchu
Scientifi c names: Scientifi c names: Barosma betulina (Agathosma betulina)
Other common names: Agathosma, betuline, bocco
(From Mosby’s Handbook of Herbs and Natural Supplements – fourth edition)
Origin: Buchu is found in South Africa.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF BUCHU
Immune Support, Men, Women, Urinary Tract Support
Buchu is a plant from South Africa. The leaf is used to make medicine.
Buchu is used for urinary tract infections (UTIs), including infections involving the urethra (urethritis) and kidneys (pyelonephritis). It is also used by mouth for treating inflamed prostate (prostatitis), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), high blood pressure, fever, cough, common cold, upset stomach, stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gout, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Buchu is applied to the skin as an insect repellant, as a deodorant, and for skin infections.
In manufacturing, the oil from buchu is used to give a fruit flavor (often black currant) to foods. It is also used as a fragrance in perfumes and colognes
It is thought that the active chemicals in buchu may kill germs and also promote urine flow [1].
Joanne Barnes, Linda A Anderson and J David Phillipson
Uses
Buchu is stated to possess urinary antiseptic and diuretic properties. It has been used for cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, and specifically for acute catarrhal cystitis.
Buchu is listed by the Council of Europe as a natural source of food flavouring (category N3). This category allows buchu to be added to foodstuffs in the traditionally accepted manner. [2]
Buchu is also used in combination with uva-ursi for benign prostatic hyperplasia. [1]
Constituents
Flavonoids Diosmetin, quercetin, diosmin, quercetin-3,7-diglucoside, rutin.
Volatile oils 1.0–3.5%. Over 100 identified compounds, including diosphenol, limonene, menthone and pulegone as the major components. Other constituents Mucilage, resin.
Part(s) Used
Leaf
Additional Resources
[1] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-180/buchu
[2] Joanne Barnes; Linda A. Anderson; J. David Phillipson. Herbal Medicines, 3rd Ed.
View Important Precautions
Important Precautions
Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.
Disclaimer
This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.
