Buchu

( Western Herb )

LATIN NAME:

Agathosma betulina

( Buchu is also known as Bookoo, Bucco, Bucku, Buku and Oval, Round, Short, and Short-leaved. )

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION:

Buchu is a small shrub that grows in southern Africa. It grows 2-3 feet high with five petaled flowers that are whitish to pink.

The leaves are glossy and contain an oil that increases the production of urine.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* urinary tract infections

* acute bladder inflammation and infections

* irritable bladder

* kidney stones

* painful and burning urination

* reducing the swelling of the prostate gland

* soothing the lining membrane of the urethra

* premenstrual syndrome

Use externally for:

* wounds, sores, ulcers

PREPARATION AND DOSAGE:

Over the counter:

This herb is available dried, capsules, extract and as a tincture at health food stores.

The herb is found in Fluidex and Odrinil which are two commercial diuretics used to treat premenstrual syndrome.

Capsules: Take according to directions on bottle.

At home:

Infusion: Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of dried, crumbled leaves to 1 cup of water and let steep for 30 minutes. Take 3 to 4 tablespoons, 3 to 4 times a day. Do not boil the leaves.

Tincture: Take 10-20 drops of tincture in water, 3 times a day.

Extract: Mix 10 to 30 drops in juice or water.

Parts used: Leaves

Constituents: Hesperidin, mucilage, resin, volatile oil, essential oil

Actions: Antiseptic, diuretic, antiseptic, diaphoretic, tonic, stimulant

Combinations: can be mixed with Uva ursi, Yarrow, or Couch grass to treat cystitis (bladder inflammation). It can also be mixed with Corn silk or Marsh mallow for dysuria (painful of difficult urination).

SIDE EFFECTS:

Not serious: Too large of a dose can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:

Warning:

* Buchu, being a diuretic, may deplete the body’s potassium levels, so be sure to eat more potassium rich foods such as bananas.

* Women who are pregnant or nursing should consult a physician before using this herb or any other diuretic.

* This herb should not be used on young children.

* The essential oil extracted from the plant should not be used in aromatherapy for topical application. The oil is toxic.

* Do not use if you have a history of kidney disease, its oil content may be irritating to irritating.