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Buchu (Boegoe)
Agathosma crenulata
Barosma betulina
Barosma crenulata
Barosma serratifolia
Diosma crenulata

This page contains information on buchu and how it is used as a herb in alternative herbal treatments. to treat ailments and problems, such as urinary tract infections, prostate, bloating, menstruation and PMS.

On this page

Botanical classification of buchu
Description of buchu
Parts used
Properties of buchu
Internal use
External use
Use of essential oil
Safety precautions and warnings
Used in the following products
Herbal Index

Please note that we are not advocating that people stop using their normal medication, but would like to make people aware that some alternative therapies can be very effective to help treat problems and create a healthier, younger and more vital you. For more information on our range of products, please click here.

Although we believe in the therapeutic and healing properties of herbs, care must be taken in the use thereof, as they are powerful compounds.

Botanical Classification

Family	Rutaceae
Genus and specie	Agathosma crenulata synonym Barosma betulina, B. crenulata, and B. serratifolia, Diosma crenulata

Other names

Bookoo, buku, bucku and bucco.

Description of the herb buchu

Buchu is a 5 foot shrub with finely toothed opposite or alternate leaves, 3.5cm 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.

Parts used

The leaves are used in herbal preparations.

Properties

A stimulant, strong diuretic, antiseptic, and cleansing herb that increases perspiration. The antiseptic and strong diuretic properties are evident due to the active ingredient in the herb: diosphenol or "barosma camphor."

The leaves contain an essential oil which contains limonene, isomenthone, diosphenol (buchu camphor), terpinen-4-ol and minor sulfur containing compounds such as 8-mercpacto-p-methane-3-one.

The A. betulina leaf is more active than that of A. crenulata, as it contains low amounts of diosphenol, yet a possibly high toxic level of pulegone.

Therapeutic uses

Internal use
- Buchu is used internally for the relief of urinary tract infections, especially in conjunction with prostate problems.
- Furthermore, it is also used in the symptomatic relief of rheumatism.
- It is also used for bloating while menstruating, reducing high blood pressure, and congestive heart failure.
- Buchu is also used to decrease water retention - but please read the safety warnings below.
- Buchu decreases inflammation of the colon, gums, and mucous membranes and is specifically used to treat bladder infections.
External use
- Steeped in vinegar it is used as a remedy for bruises and sprains.
Aromatherapy and essential oil use
- The oil extracted from buchu should, because of its high pulegone content, not be used in aromatherapy as it is considered toxic.

Safety precautions and warnings

When using buchu as a diuretic it must be noted that it can deplete the body's store of potassium.

When taking buchu, you should increase your consumption of foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, various dark green vegetables, whole grains and fish.

Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take therapeutic amounts of buchu and the herb should also not be used on young children.

Topical application of the essential oil extracted from the buchu plant should not be used in aromatherapy.

Used in the following of our products

None.

Herbal index

To promote the interest and use of herbs and natural complementary health alternatives, we have included information on the following herbs.

Please note - although we discuss a wide variety of herbs, not all of them are used or sold by us.
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Information contained on this website is for general information purposes only and must not be used to treat or diagnose medical conditions, and all health problems must be referred to a health care professional. Statements made regarding the products, ingredients and general information have not been evaluated by the FDA, or any other health authority, and should not be seen as health claims.
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Our site was last updated on 3 March 2010.

Buchu (Boegoe) Agathosma crenulata Barosma betulina Barosma crenulata Barosma serratifolia Diosma crenulata

Please note - although we discuss a wide variety of herbs, not all of them are used or sold by us.

Buchu (Boegoe)
Agathosma crenulata
Barosma betulina
Barosma crenulata
Barosma serratifolia
Diosma crenulata