Synopsis

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

Buchu (Agathosma betulina and related species) is a herb native to South Africa and has a long history of traditional use for urinary tract ailments, including urinary tract infections (UTIs). Indigenous Khoisan people and later European settlers used buchu as a diuretic and urinary antiseptic, often preparing it as a tea or tincture. Historical records from the 19th and early 20th centuries describe buchu as a remedy for "urinary complaints," cystitis, and prostatitis. Its aromatic leaves contain volatile oils, including diosphenol, which is believed to have mild antiseptic properties.

Despite its traditional use, scientific evidence supporting buchu’s effectiveness against UTIs is limited. A small number of laboratory studies have indicated potential mild antimicrobial effects of buchu extracts, but these findings have not been robustly confirmed in human clinical trials. Modern herbal references often cite buchu’s historical use rather than strong clinical validation. Regulatory bodies like the European Medicines Agency recognize its traditional use for minor urinary symptoms, but not for treating active infections. Therefore, current use of buchu for UTIs is primarily justified by tradition, with only modest supporting evidence from preclinical studies and none from high-quality clinical trials.

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