Buchu leaf, powder (1501)Scientific Name: Barosma betulina (and Agathosma b.) Common Names: Buchu Active Properties: Aromatic stimulant and tonic, dyspeptic, cutaneous, and rheumatic. Background: The plant originated in a limited region of southern Africa, where it was traditionally used by the Hottentots who called it Bookoo or Buku and used it for anointing their bodies. Their distillation of Buchu leaves with wine was used for stomach, bowel, and bladder ailments. They healed wounds with a decoction of the leaves. Buchu is said to have been introduced into medicine by the London drug firm Reece & Co., in 1821. A very popular American patent medicine, 'Helmbold's Buchu', made from a decoction of the buchu leaves, appeared about 1860. The medical profession in America, probably inspired by the press and resultant popular demand, prescribed buchu very freely at that time. Dosage: Dose of the powder, from 20 to 30 grains, 2 or 3 times a day; of the infusion, 2 to 4 fluid ounces, 3 or 4 times a day.
Externally: A paste of the leaves can be applied to the skin as decoration. The leaves are combined with oil and used as perfume. Applications: Improves appetite, relieves nausea and gas, is a diuretic and diaphoretic. It is principally used in chronic diseases of the urino-genital organs, as in cases of chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bladder, irritable conditions of the urethra, in urinary discharges with increased deposit of uric acid, and in incontinence connected with prostate abnormalities. Description: The official buchu leaves are derived from plants described as slender, smooth, perennial shrubs, having twiggy, somewhat angular branches, of a purplish-brown color, and reach a height of from 2 to 3 feet. The flowers are white or pinkish. The leaves are opposite, or nearly so, and are almost sessile, or, at best, having but a very short petiole. Five upright carpels, each containing a single oblong, shining black seed, comprise the fruit. The leaves are collected while the plant is flowering. The leaves are conspicuously marked with oil glands appearing as pellucid spots. Buchu leaves have a strong odor, resembling somewhat that of pennyroyal, and a corresponding taste. The underside of the leaves contain scattered glandular oil-points, when held up to the light translucent dots can be observed. The odor and taste are strongly aromatic, mint-like, pungent and bitter. Safety: There is no negative information available for this herb. No known medical conditions preclude the use of Buchu. Consult your health care provider before use. More Bulk Herbs and Spices Information: Valerian For educational purposes only
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