Medicinal Plants : Agathosma betulina

Name

Buchu

Biological Name

Barosma betulina
Rutaceae

Other Names

Bucco, Agathosma betulina, Buchu, Bookoo, Bucku, short leaved buchu, buku, bucco, round buchu

Parts Used

Leaves

Active Compounds

Volatile oil, diosphenol (=buchu camphor), pulegone, () and (-) isopulegone, 8-mercapto-p-menthan-3-one, responsible for the blackcurrant type odour; 8-acetylthiomenthone, piperitone epoxide ()-menthone, (-)-isomenthone, p-cymol, limonene, terpineol

Flavonoids; rutin, diosmin, hesperidin, quercitin and derivatives

Miscellaneous; vitamins of the B group, tannin and mucilage.

Remedies For

Diuretic, urinary antiseptic.

Buch is useful for the treatment of:

Premenstrual Syndrome:

Buchu releives the bloating associated with PMS.

High Blood Pressure and Congenital Heart Failure:
Consult your physician before using any herb for these conditions as these are life threatening cases.

Urinary Tract Infection:
No proof exists for its effectiveness; but people continue to use it for infection.

Buchu may be used in any infection of the genito-urinary system, such as cystitis, urethritis and prostatitis. Its healing and soothing properties indicate its use together with other relevant remedies in many conditions of this system, especially useful where dysuria is part of the symptom picture. The oil content may be too irritating for people with a history of major kidney disease.

Buchu is described as one of the best remedies for the urinary organs. It is useful for treating pain while urinating, stoppage of the urine, inflammation of the bladder, or dropsy.

Description

Native of S. Africa. The leaves of this 5-foot shrub contain an oil that increases urine production. In 17th century, when Dutch colonists settled in S. Africa, they learned about the herb from the natives and adopted buchu for urinary tract infections, kidney stones, arthritis, cholera, and muscle aches. Later it had been used for so many ailments that medical botanists claim that it had been used for the treatment for "almost every disease which afflicts mankind."

Dosage

Infusion: Pour a cup of boiling water onto l-2 teaspoonfuls of the leaves and let infuse for l0 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: take 1-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Combinations : In cystitis Buchu may be used in combination with Bearberry, Yarrow or Couchgrass, for dysuria with Corn Silk or Marshmallow.

Safety

Do not boil Buchu leaves.

Diuretics deplete body stores of potassium - an important nutrient. When taking Buchu, increase your consumption of potassium by consuming foods high in potassium such as bananas, fresh vegetables, etc.

Do not take this herb if you are pregnant without consulting your doctor.

FDA considers this herb as safe if taken as directed. No harmful effects have been reported.

If you experience stomach upset or diarrhea, stop taking the herb and consult your doctor.