Buchu (Agathosma betulina) is a plant native to South Africa and has been traditionally used by indigenous people for various medicinal purposes. 

Buchu tea is made from the leaves of the buchu plant and has several potential health benefits, properties, and traditional uses.

1. Anti-inflammatory properties: Buchu tea contains bioflavonoids and other compounds with potential anti-inflammatory effects. These properties may help alleviate inflammation-related issues like joint pain, muscle aches, and arthritis.
2. Diuretic properties: Buchu tea has been traditionally used as a natural diuretic, promoting the elimination of excess fluid from the body. This effect can be helpful in managing conditions like edema, high blood pressure, and kidney disorders.
3. Antimicrobial properties: Buchu tea is believed to possess antimicrobial properties, potentially helping to prevent or treat various infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs).
4. Digestive health: Traditionally, buchu tea has been used to promote healthy digestion by alleviating gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, gas, and indigestion.
5. Respiratory health: Buchu tea has been used to address respiratory issues like colds, coughs, and bronchitis. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties may help alleviate symptoms and support the immune system.
6. Antioxidant properties: Buchu tea contains several antioxidant compounds, which can help protect the body from oxidative stress and support overall health.
7. Potential weight loss aid: Due to its diuretic and digestive properties, buchu tea has been suggested as a potential weight loss aid. However, more research is needed to support this claim.

Source : http://www.wikiphyto.org/wiki/Buchu

Reference on http://www.wikiphyto.org

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plant name

Buchu, Sweet Buchu , Short Buchu

International Latin denomination

Agathosma betulina (PJ Bergius) Pill. (= Barosma betulina (PJ Bergius) Bartl. and Wendl.), Agathosma crenulata (L.) Pill. (= Barosma crenulata (L.) Hook), Agathosma serratifolia (Curt.) Spreeth (= Barosma serratifolia Willd.).

botanical family

Rutaceae

Description and habitat

• Fragrant shrubs (because they are rich in essence) grown in the Cape region of South Africa, on red clay-sandy soils (rich in iron), pruned to obtain a bushy tuft like the tea plant
• The blackcurrant smell is due to flavonoids
• The essential oil is contained in schizolysigenic pockets

History and tradition

• Buchu is a traditional remedy of the Hottentots of Namibia
• “Buchu Camphor” crystallizes at room temperature

Parts used

• Sheets

Dosage forms available

• Leaf tincture

Usual dosages

Composition

Main components of the plant

• Essential oil (2% and at least 1.3%): diosphenol or Buchu camphor , ketones ( menthone , pulegone ), monoterpene alcohols ( terpinen-4-ol ), and monoterpene hydrocarbons
• Flavonoids  : hesperidoside , diosmin and diosmoside , rutoside
• Mucilages (leaf swells in hot water)

Main components of buds or young shoots

Main components of essential oil

• Diosphenol which crystallizes at room temperature
• Monoterpene ketones  : isomenthone , menthone and pulegone
• Monoterpene alcohols  : terpinene-4-ol
• Monoterpene hydrocarbons  : limonene , myrcene and alpha-pinene

Properties

Plant properties

• Diuretic & antiseptic in benign inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract
• Antimicrobial, antifungal [1]
• The essential oil diosphenol , excreted as a glucuronide derivative, is antibacterial
• Anti -inflammatory and diuretic flavonoids
• The pulegone is an emmenagogue
• Balsamic and diaphoretic
• The other Barosma would be inactive and constitute a falsification

Bud properties

Properties of essential oil

Directions

Indications of the whole plant (phytotherapy)

• Cystitis, urethritis and inflammation of the bladder, prostatitis and prostate cancer [2]
• Vaginal candidiasis (?)
• Nephritis (?)

Indications of the bud (gemmotherapy)

Specific indications of essential oil (aromatherapy)

Known or suspected mode of action

• It is the diosphenol of the essential oil, excreted in the form of a glucuronide derivative, which is antibacterial, with terpinene-4-ol
• Flavonoids are diuretics

Usual formulations

Regulations

• French Pharmacopoeia list A (sheet)

Possible side effects and precautions for use

• The essential oil with diosphenol and pulegone can cause irritation phenomena

Bibliographic references

1. Aller↑ Lis-Balchin M, Hart S, Simpson E. Buchu (Agathosma betulina and A. crenulata, Rutaceae) essential oils: their pharmacological action on guinea-pig ileum and antimicrobial activity on microorganisms. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2001 Apr;53(4):579-82. PMID 11341377
2. Aller↑ Steenkamp V. Phytomedicines for the prostate. Fitoterapia. 2003 Sep;74(6):545-52. PMID 12946716

• Trinder-Smith, T. & Raimondo, D. 2016. Agathosma betulina (PJBergius) Pillans. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2020/12/11
• Moolla A, Viljoen AM. 'Buchu' -Agathosma betulina and Agathosma crenulata (Rutaceae): a review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Oct 28;119(3):413-9. PMID 18725278
• Wichtl Max, Anton Robert. Therapeutic plants: Tradition, officinal practice, science and therapy. Ed. Tec & Doc. Cachan. 1999. p. 70

Do not use during the first 3 months of pregnancy / breastfeeding 

Keep out of reach of children and pets.

As a general rule, always perform a skin patch test before using your essential oils for the first time.

Due to the natural origin of our products, some ingredients may contain trace proteins or allergens, especially in unrefined oils. 

We strongly recommend performing a patch test on a small skin area 48 hours before full use to check for sensitivities. 

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If you experience any irritation or allergic reaction, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional

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