Evidence supporting the use of: Buchu (unspecified)
For the health condition: Urination (burning or painful)

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Synopsis

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

Buchu (primarily referring to species such as Agathosma betulina and Agathosma crenulata) has a long history of traditional use in South African herbal medicine, particularly by the Khoisan people, for urinary tract complaints including burning or painful urination (dysuria). In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Buchu leaves were introduced into European and North American herbal pharmacopeias, where they were used as a diuretic and for relieving symptoms of urinary tract irritation. The traditional rationale centers on Buchu’s purported anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and mild diuretic properties, which were believed to soothe the urinary tract and promote urination.

However, while some in vitro studies have identified antimicrobial constituents (such as diosphenol), there is insufficient modern clinical evidence to robustly support these effects in humans. No high-quality randomized controlled trials have validated Buchu’s efficacy for painful or burning urination. Consequently, its use for this indication is primarily justified by traditional knowledge and historical usage rather than by scientific validation. Most modern herbal references cite Buchu’s use for urinary tract discomforts as “traditional” or “historical,” and major medical bodies do not endorse it for urinary tract infections or dysuria due to lack of rigorous evidence.

In summary, Buchu’s reputation for supporting painful urination is rooted in tradition rather than science, and the overall evidence level is low (2/5).

More about Buchu (unspecified)
More about Urination (burning or painful)

Products containing Buchu (unspecified)

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.