Buchu is probably one of the best known South African herbs both locally and internationally. The indigenous people first introduced buchu as a medicinal plant to the European settlers at the Cape. The use of the plant subsequently spread to Europe and America where it was used extensively as a medicine.

In 1821 buchu was included in the British Pharmacopoeia as a diuretic. The indigenous South African peoples used buchu medicinally as an infusion for stomach complaints, or powdered and mixed with sheep fat, for anointing their bodies. Buchu leaf is still a widely used household medicine in South Africa, usually as a tea, a brandy tincture (buchu brandy), or as a vinegar (buchu vinegar).

Properties:

antiseptic, diuretic, insecticide, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, stimulant

Medicinal uses:

Dosage:

Tincture: 10-30 drops 3 times per day. Increases fluids and solids of the urine to handle fluid retention. Absorbs excess uric acid to help with burning urination.

Combinations:

Cystitis: used with yarrow or couchgrass Burning urination: marshmallow or corn silk

Bladder Problems: Make into an Herbal Wine drink up to 2 glasses a day.

Kidney Problems: Make an Infusion using 2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Steep for 20 minutes. Cool and mix 1/2 a cup of the Infusion with 1/2 cup of Cranberry tea. Drink no more than 2 cups.

PMS and Menstral Cramps: Make an Infusion using 2 teaspoons of dried leaves per cup of boiling water. Let this steep for 20 minutes. Drink no more than 3 cups a day.

Caution:

The oil should not be used during pregnancy. The toxicity of buchu is unknown but because of the diophenols and pulegone, it should be regarded as questionable at present.