Evidence supporting the use of: Buchu (unspecified)
For the health condition: Kidney Infection
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Buchu (Agathosma betulina and related species) has a long history of traditional use in South African herbal medicine, particularly for urinary tract complaints, including kidney infections. Indigenous Khoisan peoples and later European settlers used buchu as a diuretic and antiseptic for urinary tract health. Traditional remedies often involved making teas or tinctures from buchu leaves to alleviate symptoms such as burning urination or lower back pain, which were sometimes associated with kidney infections.
From a scientific perspective, there is limited evidence supporting buchu’s efficacy for kidney infections. Some laboratory studies have suggested weak antimicrobial activity of buchu extracts against certain bacteria, and its diuretic action may help flush the urinary tract. However, there are no robust clinical trials demonstrating its effectiveness in treating kidney infections, which are serious conditions often requiring antibiotics. The available evidence does not meet modern standards for safety or efficacy for this indication.
In summary, the use of buchu for kidney infections is justified primarily by tradition, with only minimal scientific support. Anyone suspecting a kidney infection should seek qualified medical care rather than relying on herbal remedies alone.
Other ingredients used for Kidney Infection
astragalusbearberry
burdock
caterpillar mushroom
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
dandelion
fu ling
licorice root
lophatherum leaf
marshmallow
methenamine
ophiopogon root
reishi mushroom
slippery elm bark
sarsaparilla
clerodendrum indicum
goldenrod
myrrh
juniper berries
cornsilk
buchu
couch grass
hydrangea
cleavers
geranium
akebia
Angelica
Arbutin
Achyranthes
Anamu
American Liverleaf
Adzuki bean
Alisma
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Blue Flag
Baliospermum
Barleria
Berberis (unspecified)
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Black Nightshade
Black root
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cynodon dactylon
Clerodendrum indicum
Devil's Club
Dichrostachys glomerata
Erodium cicutarium
Euphorbia
Embelia
Flueggea suffruticosa
Ficus simplicissima
Fleabane
Gallesia
Guazuma ulmifolia
Little ironweed
Mallow
Other health conditions supported by Buchu (unspecified)
Bladder InfectionBlood Poisoning
Colds (general)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Kidney Infection
Kidney Stones
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Skin (infections)
Urinary Tract Infections
Urination (burning or painful)
Wounds and Sores