Buchu
Buchu is an excellent treatment for urinary tract infection and a mild diuretic.
Name: Barosma Betulina or Agathosma Betulina. Commonly known as Buchu.
Part used: The leaves.
Active constituents: The main active is the essential oil which consists mainly of diosphenol. Buchu also contains flavonoids.
The essential oil has a characteristic, pleasant smell and taste and is used extensively in food flavouring etc as it lends a fruity, blackcurrant like flavour and aroma to foods. It is a native of South Africa and some Africans use the leaves as a perfume.
What is Buchu used for?
Buchu is one of the best treatments for infections in the urinary system. Components of the essential oil are passed out of the body via the urine and they exert an antiseptic effect as they go. Buchu is therefore useful in the treatment of cystitis, urethritis and prostatitis.
Buchu also has recently gained a reputation for being an all round tonic.
Cautions and contraindications: Do not take Buchu during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Do not use in kidney disease of any kind.
