Buchu

Latin name: Agathosma betulina, Agathosma crenulata, Agathosma serratifolia, Barosma betulina, Barosma crennulata, Barosma serratifolia (Afrikaans).

Family: Rutaceae

Folk Names: Anysboegoe, Barasmae Folium, Bergboegoe, Bookoo, Bucco, Buccu, Bucku, Bukku, Diosma, Long-Leaf Buchu, Oval Buchu, Oval-Leaf Buchu, Round Buchu, Round-Leaf BuchuShort Buchu

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DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERISTICS 

Part of the Plant Used

Historically cultivated in South Africa, bushu is a low, creeping perennial, with small blue purple or white flowers. The white corkscrew-shaped route is edible also so therefore the entire plant is used in herbal medicine.

CONSTITUENTS

The diosphenol in buchu helps kills bacteria. Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antifungal.

• Volatile oils – (2.5%) With limonene, isomethone and terpinen-4-ol
• Sulphur containing compounds (blackcurrant flavor)
• Flavonoids – diosmin, rutin, quercitin, hesperidin (anti-inflam)
• Mucilage
• Resins

THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

Clinical: Cystitis, prostatitis, urethral antispetic, water retention, digestive tonic.

Folk:  Bruises, heart disease, high blood pressure, inflammation, kidney stones, premenstrual tension, urinary tract infections, venereal disease. Insect repellant.

Energetics: Hot, Dry.

TCM: “cold kidneys”.

HERB-DRUG INTERACTIONS

Bushu is deemed safe, but if you have kidney disease take caution. Liver irritation may also occur as with any diuretic. Bushu may also reduce the body’s potassium level so be sure to include other potassium-rich foods such as bananas. There is a slight chance that bushu may upset the stomach or cause diarrhea. Avoid during pregnancy/breastfeeding. May increase menstrual flow/induce abortion and high concentrations may block calcium channels. Use caution in seizure disorders, as buchu may cause spasmogenic actions.

Dosage

One ounce of dried leaves in a pint of boiling water several times a day, 10 to 30 drops of liquid buchu extract in a glass of water or juice daily, or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of liquid leaf extract daily.

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