Also known as: bookoo, round buchu, short leaved buchu
Parts used: leaves
Systems/Organs affected: bladder, stomach, lung, urinary, prostate, kidney, digestive
Properties: diuretic, tonic, stimulant, diaphoretic, aromatic, antiseptic, carminative, astringent, vulnerary, emetic (in large doses), cathartic (in large doses), bitter, antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
Buchu is a member of the Rutaceae family (Rue). It is a deciduous shrub that is found mainly in south africa. It has white and sometimes pink, 5 petaled flowers that grow in a cluster on a woody stalk and has rounded leaves (or long leaves depending on the variety). The plant gets between two and three feet tall and is covered in oil glands (on the leaves) and is fairly aromatic. Some would say it smells like peppermint while others get a more camphor like scent.
Buchu was first believed to have been used by the Hottentots of South Africa centuries ago for a vast array of issues pertaining to the urinary system in particular. The early Dutch settlers in Africa made a brandy tincture that is still in use today by many cultures there. It became popular as a cure for hangovers in the 1800's and was also used in many concoctions for colds and coughs. The leaves were often mixed with oil and used as a perfume.
Jethro Kloss said it was one of the best herbs for urinary issues and for the first stages of diabetes (it is said that it helps to rejuvenate the pancreas). It has also been used as a mouthwas for bleeding gums and soreness in the mouth, for bedwetting (combined with horsetail), arthritis, hypertension, nephritis, urinary infections, inflammation of the mucus membranes (in the sinus, prostate, vagina, colon, for ulcers, etc.), for kidney and gall stones, chronic rheumatism, spermatorrhea, backaches, chronic bronchitis, cystitis, painful urination, gout, gonorrhea, etc. It has been used in topical applications for bruises and to clean wounds (as a vinegar) and as a douche for leucorrhea and yeast infections. It is high in calcium, zinc, chromium, cobalt, iron, magnesium, manganese and more. It works best as a cold infusion and should never be boiled. It is also said to be contraindicated for urinary and kidney infections (despite the fact it has been used for that for millenia). Do not use if pregnant or on diuretic drugs which will lower one's potassium levels even further.
As is customary with my posts I am including some links herein for your perusal. Use them wisely and well. Stay healthy!
http://www.amazon.com/Herb-Pharm-Certified-Organic-Extract/dp/B0006O2KH6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451155483&sr=8-1&keywords=buchu
http://www.amazon.com/Buchu-Essential-30ml-Therapeutic-Grade/dp/B00SVY3QMQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1451155527&sr=8-2&keywords=buchu+essential+oil
http://www.amazon.com/Buchu-Leaf-Organic-56-Grams/dp/B008CH09RC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1451155483&sr=8-4&keywords=buchu
http://www.amazon.com/Starwest-Botanicals-Organic-Buchu-Powder/dp/B00BON5SV8/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1451155483&sr=8-6&keywords=buchu
http://www.amazon.com/Christophers-Formula-Original-Bladder-Count/dp/B00028Q20C/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1451155483&sr=8-7&keywords=buchu
http://www.amazon.com/Buchulife-Sport-Gel-Buchu-Oil/dp/B00VL1IMKC/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1451155483&sr=8-10&keywords=buchu
http://www.amazon.com/Exotic-Plants-Agathosma-betulina-buchu/dp/B00UXFDD6U/ref=sr_1_25?ie=UTF8&qid=1451155710&sr=8-25&keywords=buchu
http://www.amazon.com/Cape-Kingdom-Supplements-vegi-caps-Buchulife/dp/B00IYBV8AS/ref=sr_1_31?ie=UTF8&qid=1451155757&sr=8-31&keywords=buchu
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