Buchu, bearing the scientific name Agathosma Betulina, is an evergreen flowering shrub from the f...
Buchu, bearing the scientific name Agathosma Betulina, is an evergreen flowering shrub from the family of plants called Rutaceae or, commonly, the citrus family. The plant is native to western areas of South Africa where it grows on lower elevation mountains in the Cape region. Buchu plant typically grows over 6 feet. It is also often referred to as round leaf buchu.
The leaves of buchu plant have traditionally been used for range of health issues as well as for flavoring teas, candies, and a particular type of liquor in South Africa.
Parts Used: Leaf
Certified Organic
Country of Origin: South Africa
Benefits and Uses
- Insect repellent
- Stomach issues
- Bladder/ urinary tract problems
- Inflammation and pain in joints and muscles
- Digestive health
- Various skin conditions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Diuretic
- To relieve nausea, flatulence
- Antiseptic
- Lower blood pressure
- Lowering blood glucose levels
- Certain gynecological issues
- Cold and flu
Buchu is the source of:
- Isomenthone
- Diosphenol
- Limonene
- Camphor
- Menthol
- Flavonoids – rutin, hesperidin, diosmin, quercetin, and derivatives
- Glycoside; barosmin
- Resin
- Tannins
- B vitamins
- Mucilage
- Vitamins A and E
Traditional Uses
Indigenous people of South Africa used the extract and volatile oil found in buchu leaves topically for various skin conditions, wounds, minor injuries, and as insect repellent. It was also used internally for stomach and bladder problems, joints and muscle pain and inflammation, and to improve digestive health.
Modern Uses
Buchu is considered an excellent herb for infections and inflammation of the urinary tract. For its diuretic properties, it’s also considered a great natural option for water retention and flushing out toxins from the body. The herb is also considered effective for improving kidney functioning, blood circulation, and digestive health.
Fun Fact
Titanic was carrying eight bales of Buchu herb, which is a testimony to the global popularity of the South African herb. Buchu was also used in the Crimean and First World War as an antiseptic, to clean small battlefield wounds. Khosian and San, the indigenous tribes of South Africa, considered Buchu a cure-all i.e. a natural remedy for all health problems.
Precaution
Buchu shouldn’t be used by pregnant women because it may stimulate the uterus.
* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease. Results may vary based on individual user and are not guaranteed.
