Home | Alphabetical Index | Conditions & Cures | Anti-Aging | Articles | Forums | Where to Buy

Buchu

Barosma betulina, Agathosma betulina, Agathosma crenultata

Buchu has been used for the treatment of bladder and urinary tract problems, especially urinary tract infections. In South Africa, buchu is used for stomach aches, joint pain, and colds and flus.
 
Many herbalists use buchu as a part of herbal combinations designed for kidney and bladder problems. Buchu is said to have a diuretic effect, meaning that it increases the flow of urine. However, there is no meaningful scientific documentation of this or any other medicinal effect of buchu.

Buchu contains diosmin, rutin, and quercetin. Its essential oil contains a variety of aromatic substances, including limonene and menthone, along with the known liver toxin pulegone. While it is said that the essential oil has antimicrobial effects, the only published study on the subject failed to find activity in this regard. This study did, however, find possible antispasmodic actions, which could potentially reduce the pain of bladder infections.

Dosage
Buchu is typically taken at a dose of 1–2 grams of dried leaf three times daily, with meals. However, due to the toxicity of one of the constituents of buchu, we do not recommend using it at all.

Safety Issues
Because buchu contains the known liver toxin pulegone, the herb should be used only with great caution, if at all. It also frequently causes stomach upset. It definitely should not be used by young children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with liver or kidney disease.

If you are taking lithium, do not use buchu except under the supervision of a physician.

Feature Article

The Fountain of Youth?

What if I told you that it may be possible for you to live to age 100 or even longer, in better health than you are in right now? And, if you are already experiencing the ill effects of aging, what if I told you that it may be possible for you to look and feel 20 years younger and stay that way beyond the age of 100.

Aside from the fact that you'd probably call me crazy, I have to tell you that we have never been as close as we are today to actually being able to extend human life!

Read More