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Name
Buchu.
Botanical
Names:
The
most commonly used species of Buchu for therapeutic purposes is
known as Agathosma betulina formally called Barosma betulina.
Barosma crenulata (also known as Agathosma crenulata (Ovate Buchu)
Barosma serratifolia (Long Buchu)
Family:
RUTACEAE All species of Buchu belong to the Rue (Rutaceae) family - the
same family as Citrus Fruits.
Other
Names
Boegoe (Afrikaans), Boochoo,
Bookoo, Bucku, Bucco,
Diosma, iBuchu (Xhosa), Short Buchu,
Parts
Used
Dried Leaves
Description
Buchu is a low, white or pink-flowered shrubs native to South Africa..
This species is sometimes confused with Agathosma crenulata
but in the latter the leaves are more than twice as long as they
are broad.
Overview
and Mythology.
Native
to South Africa, the word Buchu is from the Hottentot word for the
plant, bookoo. The leaves
are mixed with oil and used as a perfume in Africa. Buchu
is part of the cultural heritage of the San and Khoi people.
Chemicals
& Nutrients:
Constituents.
Bioflavonoids:
Hesperidin
Lipids:
Limonene
Terpenes: Terpineol
Polyphenols:
{ Flavonoids} Diosmin, Quercitin, Rutin
Volatile
Oils:
Barosma, Camphor, Diosphenol , isomenthone
Menthol, Pulegone [compound
considered to be toxic-found in crenulata]
Mucilage,
Minerals
and Nutrients.,
Aluminum, beta-Carotene,Calcium, Chromium, Iron, Magnesium,
Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein, Selenium, Silicon, Sodium,
Vitamin C, Zinc.
Sulphur.
[Partly
responsible for the characteristic blackcurrant smell and flavour of
buchu oil.]
Essential
oils are generally used because of their antiseptic and diuretic
properties.
Distribution
Buchu
has a restricted natural distribution area in the mountains of the
Western Cape.
Dosage Recommendations
Tinctures or infusions are used. A cup of boiling water is poured on 1 g
of the drug and allowed to stand for 10 minutes before straining. The
infusion is taken three times a day.
The
use of 750 - 900 mg of Buchu per day when used to stabilize blood sugar
levels or to enhance the effects of insulin.
Medicinal Actions
Antiseptic,
Aromatic, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Digestive Tonic, Diuretic, Kidney
Tonic, Stimulant, Tonic, Urinary Antiseptic, Uterine Stimulant.
Applications.
Cold,
Infusion, Tea, Tincture, Capsules.
The leaves were steeped in brandy
and the tincture (commonly known as Buchu brandy or “boegoebrandewyn”)
was an everyday remedy for stomach problems
Used
in the following internal illnesses
Arthritis,
Bed wetting, Bladder Stones, Bloating, Cystitis, Edema, Flatulence, Gonorrhea, Gout,
Hypertension, Incontinence, Indigestion, Kidney Inflammation, Kidney
Stones,
Nephritis,
Prostate
gland disorders, Prostatitis,
Pulmonary Edema,
Pyelitis,
Pyelonephritis,
Respiratory
disorders,
Urethritis, Urinary Infections
It
helps incontinence associated with prostate problems.
Buchu aids in the elimination of calculas debris, mucus, and uric acid
from the kidneys.
It soothes and strengthens the urinary system.
Health
Benefits of Buchu
Digestive system
Used
to treat minor digestive disturbances.
Excretory System
Buchu
is reputedly helpful in the treatment of Kidney Stones.
Buchu reputedly possesses diuretic properties that alleviate Urinary
Tract Infections (UTIs)
Buchu is employed by many herbalists in the treatment of Cystitis (the
diuretic effects of Buchu are claimed to help to flush away the
Detrimental Bacteria that cause (bacterial) Cystitis).
Metabolism
Buchu
helps to normalize Blood Sugar levels (primarily it helps to prevent
rapid falls in Blood Sugar levels (Hypoglycemia))
Musculoskeletal
System
Buchu
reputedly alleviates Rheumatism
External Medicinal Use
Bruises, Leukorrhea, Yeast Infection
Applications.
Topical
Applications: Poultice for bruises.
Douche for leucorrhoea and yeast infections.
Leaves mixed with oil as a perfume in Africa.
Buchu vinegar (“boegoe-asyn”)
was highly regarded for the washing and cleaning of wounds.
Energetics.
Bitter, Pungent, Warm, Dry
Contra indications and side effect
Avoid
during acute urinary tract inflammation.
Use During Pregnancy And Lactation.
Avoid during pregnancy and nursing.
Interactions
with Other Drugs.
None known.
Doctrine of signatures
Conspicuous oil glands are present along the margins and lower surfaces
of the leaves.
Astrology
Libran herb
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