February 2007 Ageless herbal newsletter

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	on this page Buchu - Boegoe Therapeutic uses of buchu Previous newsletters

Buchu

Buchu, also known as bookoo, boegoe, bucku and bucco, is classified under the same family as citrus plants, Rutaceae, with its genus and specie being Agathosma crenulata – there are many different varieties of Buchu found in South Africa – its natural habitat, so the classification may vary, but A. crenulata and A. betulina are most commonly used commercially.

PLEASE NOTE: We do not sell buchu or any Buchu products.

Buchu is a shrub that grows up to 5 feet, with opposite or alternate leaves, which can be up to 1.4 inches long. The leaves have visible oil glands that release a strong aroma, reminiscent of blackcurrant. White flowers with purple anthers appear in spring, usually with 5 petals.

The herb is indigenous to South Africa and was introduced to European colonists of the Cape of Good Hope by the Khoi San (bushmen) people in the early 18th century. The Khoi San believed the herb to be a miracle remedy for almost all ills and to fight aging. The herb was so highly prized by these people that a thimble full of Buchu could be bartered for a whole sheep.

The herb was relatively scarce, but the Khoi San crushed the leaves to make an infusion for a tea, made poultices of the leaves for cuts, scrapes, small wounds, bruises and sprains and also mixed the crushed leaves with fat rendered from lamb’s tails, to rub into their skin to moisturize, protect and beautify the body. The herb was also regarded as a perfume, due to its blackcurrant aroma.

The European colonist introduced Buchu tea to Europe, where it was known as ‘Noble’s tea’, because only the very rich and the nobility could afford to buy it.

In the late 1800’s, the tea was introduced to the medical profession in America, as a panacea for all ills. Buchu has the astounding reputation of being one of the few South African herbs to be listed in eminent modern pharmaceutical reference books in America, Britain and Scotland, particularly with reference to its use as a treatment for infections of the genito-urinary tract.

The specie Crenulata and Betulina have a high oil content and are the main source of commercially harvested Buchu. They grow in the so-called “fynbos” (meaning ‘fine bush’) strip in the Western Cape Mountains and are not known to be able to grow anywhere else in the world - this is most probably due to the winter rainfall and the mild, frost-free winter climate. The summer brings cool misty clouds and an almost Mediterranean climate, which is considered ideal for the propagation and cultivation of this herb.

The farming and cutting of Buchu is very specialized. Experienced cutters, who hand the specialized method of picking down through generations, harvest buchu. Harvesting usually occurs during the months of October through May. Buchu leaves that are harvested have to be processed as soon as possible after picking, to maximize the oil yield. Buchu is exported all around the world, to be used as a natural blackcurrant flavoring or fixative in various commercial products and has been approved for use by the FDA and the European Union for use in foodstuffs. Buchu leaves are also dried and sold for use in various homeopathic remedies.

A common use for Buchu in South Africa is Buchu brandy “Boegoe brandewyn” where the leaves are infused in brandy, to be taken – hopefully in small doses – to treat stomach ailments.

Buchu is fast becoming known as a South African “wonder” herb.

Therapeutic uses of buchu

Internal

The tea or a tincture is taken for the relief of urinary tract infections, especially in conjunction with prostate problems. It is also used in the symptomatic relief of rheumatism.

Buchu is used to combat bloating while menstruating, to reduce high blood pressure and for congestive heart failure.

Buchu decreases inflammation of the colon, gums and other mucous membranes and is specifically used to treat bladder infections.

• CAUTION Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use buchu and young children should also not use the herb. When taking Buchu, also remember to increase your consumption of foods rich in potassium (such as bananas, dark green vegetables, whole grains and fish), as the herb can decrease levels of potassium in the body.

External Use

The crushed leaves are steeped in vinegar to be used as a remedy for sprains and bruises.

The oil extracted from Buchu should not be used on the skin, because its high pulegone content is considered toxic. Note: the high pulegone content is found in the essential oil and not in the tea, or a poultice or infusion.

Thank you for reading about this very interesting and useful herb, that is of benefit when used to treat urinary tract infections, bladder and kidney problems, prostate problems and as a diuretic.

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