Buchu (agathosma)
Synopsis of buchu
Buchu refers to the leaves of Agathosma betulina and Agathosma crenulata, aromatic shrubs native to South Africa and part of the Rutaceae family. Traditionally used by the indigenous Khoisan people and adopted into Western herbalism, buchu is known for its potent diuretic, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, especially in relation to the urinary tract. The leaves contain volatile oils, primarily diosphenol, isomenthone, and pulegone, which are responsible for both its peppermint-like aroma and its therapeutic effects.
Key benefits and uses of buchu include:
- Supporting urinary tract health, particularly in cases of bladder infections, cystitis, and urethritis
- Acting as a natural diuretic, helping to flush toxins and reduce water retention
- Providing antimicrobial action against bacteria commonly involved in urinary issues
- Reducing inflammation and discomfort in urinary and prostate conditions
- Occasionally used for gout, arthritis, and digestive upset due to its cleansing and mild antispasmodic effects
Buchu is most often consumed as a tea, tincture, or standardized extract, and is also found in urinary support formulas, sometimes combined with cranberry, uva ursi, or d-mannose.
Historical Use:
Buchu has been used for centuries by South Africa’s Khoisan people, who prepared the leaves as infusions or poultices to treat kidney and bladder ailments, wounds, and digestive issues. The leaves were also chewed as a general tonic and deodorizer.
European settlers in the 19th century quickly adopted buchu as a urinary tract remedy, and it became a popular export to Europe and North America, where it was included in British and American pharmacopoeias as a diuretic and antiseptic. It was commonly prescribed for urinary infections, gravel (kidney stones), and mucous membrane irritation.
While its popularity waned with the rise of pharmaceutical antibiotics, buchu remains a respected herb in modern herbal medicine, particularly for chronic or recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), prostate inflammation, and bladder irritation. Today, it continues to be valued for its gentle but effective action, making it a useful alternative or complement to conventional urinary support therapies.
Buchu is used for these health conditions
Bladder (irritable) (Traditional)
Bladder Infection (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Incontinence (Traditional)
Kidney Infection (Traditional)
Urinary Tract Infections (Traditional)
Urination (burning or painful) (Traditional)
buchu is used to support these body systems
Bladder (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Kidneys (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)
