The Hottentots of South Africa already knew about buchu leaf benefits before the arrival of the Europeans. Its excellent virtues to combat urinary organ inflammation have led it to become spread worldwide. Today, buchu leaves benefits can be found used by many herbalists and in many phytotherapeutic preparations.
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Buchu Leaves Scientific Facts
- Other names – Bucku.
- French – Buchu.
- Spanish – Buchu.
- Environment – Native to South Africa and grown in South America, this plant is known in Europe.
- Description – Shrub of the Rutaceae family, growing up to two meters high, with opposite, oval-shaped, slightly haired leaves. The whole plant has an aroma resembling a mixture of peppermint and rosemary.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally – The leaves.
Healing Properties
The buchu leaves contain an essential oil (diospherol), its most crucial active component. It acts as:
- Diuretic.
- Urinary antiseptic.
- Genital and urinary organs anti-inflammatory, especially of urine, bladder, and prostate.
The buchu leaves and bearberry are among the most effective plants known to successfully fight inflammation diseases of the urinary organs. It is especially recommended in the following cases:
- Pyelonephritis (inflammation of the renal pelvis and kidneys).
- Cystitis (inflammation of the urinary bladder): it alleviates the pain and burning felt when urinating with great success.
- Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), whether or not it is caused by sexually transmitted germs (blennorrhagia). It regenerates the urinary mucosa and makes discomfort disappear. It is useful both taken in infusion and applied in urethral cleansing.
Buchu leaves are an excellent diuretic and are considered one of the best known. This plant is used for catarrh of the bladder, cystitis, nephritis, chronic kidney and bladder disorders, including inflammation of the urethra. It is used chiefly for urine retention and bladder infections. It also can reduce inflammation of the colon, vagina, sinuses, prostate, gums, and mucus membranes. People with diabetes can also benefit from buchu leaves, especially in the first stages. Digestive disorders, prostate disorders, and fluid retention is also treated using this herb.
Like other diuretics, this herb does its best work, taken as a cool infusion. Buchu leaves are usually combined with uva ursi to treat urinary tract infections and water retention. It can also be utilized in fever treatments and venereal diseases. According to some herbalists, it is highly effective as an after-dinner beverage, replacing coffee. Buchu leaves (two parts), uva ursi (two parts), orange peel (one part), peppermint (one part), chamomile (one part), and comfrey leaves (one part).
Use ¼ ounces of the herb mixture in a pint of hot water and let steep for ten minutes. This combination can strengthen the kidneys.
Note: Boiling buchu leaves or uva ursi is not recommended because their medicinal properties are volatile oils.
How to use Buchu Leaves
- Buchu tea
- Urethral washings with the same infusion used internally in the case of urethritis.
Infusion (tea): Let steep for five to fifteen minutes. Take three ounces three to four times daily (do not boil the leaves). Tincture: Take ½ teaspoon three times daily. Fluid Extract: Take ½ to one teaspoon three times daily. Powder: Take two to three #0 capsules (10 to 15 grains) three times daily.
Other Baromosa Species
In southern Africa, there are other species of the genus Baromosa, other than buchu (Baromosa betulina), such as Baromosa crenulate (L.) Hook, and Baromosa serratifolia (Curtis) Wild. These are shrubs with a similar appearance, which sometimes are cultivated, and whose leaves have the same medicinal properties.
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REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 567. Print.
- Vance Ferrell Harold M. Cherne, M.D. The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia [Book]. – Altamont, TN: Harvestime Books, 2010. – Vol. Seventh Edition: 7: pp. 147.
Last update on 2023-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
