Buchu
Buchu
Snapshot
Buchu is a fragrant South African herb traditionally used to support urinary tract health, reduce inflammation, and aid digestion.
What is Buchu?
Buchu refers to the dried leaves of several species of the Agathosma plant, native to South Africa. Historically used in traditional medicine by indigenous Khoisan people and later adopted into Western herbalism, buchu is valued for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties.
Where It Comes From
Buchu is harvested from the mountainous regions of South Africa, particularly from the leaves of Agathosma betulina and Agathosma crenulata. The aromatic leaves are dried and used to make teas, tinctures, capsules, and extracts.
Key Nutrients & Compounds
Buchu contains bioactive flavonoids such as diosmin, hesperidin, and rutin, as well as essential oils including limonene, pulegone, and diosphenol. These compounds contribute to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.
Health Benefits
Buchu is primarily used for urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder inflammation, and kidney health due to its natural antibacterial and diuretic actions. It may also relieve water retention and bloating. In addition, buchu has been used for digestive support, joint pain relief, and skin conditions when applied topically.
Recommended Dosage
Dosage varies based on form. For tea, 1 to 2 grams of dried leaf steeped in hot water is typical. For capsules or tinctures, follow label instructions, generally around 100–200 mg extract daily. Consistent use should be monitored by a healthcare provider.
How to Use It
Buchu can be consumed as a tea, capsule, tincture, or extract. It’s often combined with cranberry or d-mannose in urinary health formulas. Due to its strong flavor, some users prefer encapsulated versions.
Who Should Use It?
Recommended for individuals prone to urinary tract infections, those with mild water retention, or people seeking natural support for kidney and bladder health. It may also appeal to herbalists and those interested in traditional botanical remedies.
Possible Interactions or Cautions
Buchu may irritate the kidneys if taken in high doses or for prolonged periods. It should not be used during pregnancy or by individuals with existing kidney disease. Some compounds in buchu, like pulegone, may be toxic in large amounts—making proper dosing essential.
Final Thoughts
Buchu is a time-honored herbal remedy with targeted benefits for urinary and kidney health. While potent and effective, it should be used mindfully and in moderation as part of a balanced herbal wellness routine.
Scientific Studies
Ojewole, J. A. O. (2006). Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic effects of Agathosma betulina (Berg.) Pillans (Rutaceae) leaf aqueous extract in mice and rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 103(3), 376–381. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2005.08.021
Viljoen, A. M., et al. (2005). The composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils of Agathosma betulina and Agathosma crenulata. South African Journal of Botany, 71(1), 114–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0254-6299(15)30159-2
Moolla, A., & Viljoen, A. (2008). ‘Buchu’—A review of the therapeutic potential of the Agathosma species. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 119(3), 413–419. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2008.07.003