Buchu Leaf Profile
Also known as- Barosma betulina
Introduction
Buchu is a small, green, woody plant found in western South Africa. In several reports of the late nineteenth century, buchu was described as "about the size of a hedgehog." The leaves have a peppermint-like aroma that increases as they are dried.
Constituents
Diosphenol (the antimicrobial component), mucilages (the soothing component), diosmin, pugelone.
Parts Used
Dried leaf and small flowers.
Typical Preparations
Teas and tinctures. Often combined with couchgrass, corn silk, cranberry, cleavers, dandelion, goldenrod, parsley, and/or uva ursi. Seldom found in capsule form.
Summary
Buchu was popular in the 1800's as a hangover cure. English patent medicines used it in herbal combinations for treating coughs and colds.
The authoritative Complete German Commission E Monographs notes that buchu leaf is used for inflammation and infection of the kidneys and urinary tract, for bladder irritations, as a disinfectant of the urinary tract, and as a diuretic. Buchu is also often used to treat prostate infections. The primary action of the herb is antimicrobial.
Precautions
None.
