Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Longleaf buchu (Agathosma betulina and closely related species) has a long history of traditional use in South African folk medicine, especially among the Khoisan people, for urinary tract issues, including bladder infections (cystitis). The leaves were made into teas or tinctures believed to relieve symptoms of bladder discomfort and promote urinary health. Buchu was introduced to European herbal medicine in the 19th century and became popular as a diuretic and urinary antiseptic. The traditional rationale stems from its aromatic oils (notably diosphenol) that were thought to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

However, scientific evidence directly supporting buchu’s efficacy for bladder infections is limited. While laboratory studies have shown that extracts of buchu possess some antimicrobial and diuretic activities, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. A few in vitro studies suggest that buchu oil has mild antibacterial effects, but these results have not been consistently replicated in clinical settings. The evidence for its use is therefore largely historical and anecdotal rather than grounded in modern scientific validation. As such, the rating for evidence strength is moderate based on tradition but weak from a scientific standpoint.

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