Buchu leaf, powder

Scientific Name: Barosma betulina (and Agathosma b.)
Rutaceae

Common Names: Buchu
Part used: Leaf

Active Properties: Aromatic stimulant and tonic, dyspeptic, cutaneous, and rheumatic.

Active compounds: Buchu leaves contain volatile oil, gum, extractive, chlorophyll, resin, lignin, etc. Buchu contains diosphenol: stearopten and some amount of salicylic acid. The burned leaf is high in manganese. The diosphenol obtained is an oxycamphor. The leaves contain dioscampho and diosmin, lipids, terpineol, bioflavonoids, and the flavonoids: Diosmin, Quercitin, Rutin.      

Dosage:

Dose of the powder, from 20 to 30 grains, 2 or 3 times a day; of the infusion, 2 to 4 fluid ounces, 3 or 4 times a day.

Externally:

A paste of the leaves can be applied to the skin as decoration. The leaves are combined with oil and used as perfume.

Buchu Leaf Information

Buchu leaf, Latin name Agathosma betulina, was originally used widely in Europe and Africa as a remedy for the treatment of many afflictions. It is a small shrub that is native to South Africa, where its peppermint-like flavor is added to brandies and wines.

Buchu Leaf Benefits

Buchu leaf is an effective remedy for many ailments. It has been shown to be an effective diuretic, as well as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. These medicinal properties make Buchu leaf effective for many problems, including kidney infections, urinary tract infection and bladder disorders. It is an ingredient in many over-the-counter diuretics used for premenstrual bloating.

Buchu leaf has also been shown to benefit coughs and colds. It helps to relieve nausea and gas, and is beneficial for incontinence related to prostate abnormalities.

Buchu Leaf Diuretic

Buchu leaf is contained in many weight loss formulations and PMS medications because of it diuretic effect on the body. It helps to eliminate excess water weight and reduce bloating and swelling. Buchu leaf is very effective for cleansing the bladder and urinary tract of toxins and aids in weight loss.

Has Been Used For:

  • Has been used for the early stages of diabetes.

  • Has been used for urinary tract infections (often combined with couchgrass and yarrow, also Uva-ursi), prostatitis, cystitis, urethritis, pyelitis, spermatorrhea, dysuria, urine rentention, cancer, digestive problems, skin problems, gout, rheumatism, coughs, colds (often combined with Althea officinalis), chronic bronchitis, gravel, irritation and congestion of the bladder, dropsy, leukorrhea, gallstones, kidney problems, yeast infection, and bloat. Often included in herbal diet pills because of its ability to reduce bloating and excess water (doesn't do a thing for your real weight problem though, since this herb also stimulates appetite!)

  • Has been combined with Marshmallow leaf and/or Corn Silk for burning during urination. Has also been used for bed wetting

  • Aromatic, antiseptic, carminative, diuretic, tonic, diaphoretic (taken as hot tea); stimulates and cleanses the urinary system, helps to eliminate uric acid; affects bladder, stomach, and lungs. Causes a sensation of heat in the stomach which spreads out, increasing pulse, stimulating appetite, and increasing urine output.

  • Has been prepared in vinegar and used as a lotion for bruises and sprains.