The Traditional Use of Buchu

Buchu, a fragrant evergreen shrub native to South Africa (particularly the Western Cape Province)belonging to the genusAgathosma, has a long history ofuse in traditional Khoisan medicine.The Khoisan people (indigenous people of the western region of South Africa) have utilised buchu forcenturies for various medicinal and spiritual purposes, including dance rituals, anointment, andbeautification.The traditional use of buchu encompasses the treatment of kidney and urinary tractinfections, cold, stomach ailments, rheumatism, gout and fever.

Externally, buchu was used as an antiseptic wash for wounds and as a compress for swelling, bruising,and sprains.A. betulinawas commonly consumed as an aqueous infusion (sometimes sweetened) or atincture in brandy. Vinegar infusions were used externally for antiseptic washes and embrocations.

Early European settlers in South Africa adopted the use of buchu andits use spread to Europe and theUnited States.Buchu was included in compendia until the 20th century for its diuretic effects and urinarytract applications but fell out of favour due to the emergence of antibiotics and synthetic diuretics. The Eclectics, a 19th-century medical school of thought in the US, considered buchu an aromatic stimulantand tonic for poor appetite, flatulence, and nausea.

References

HEC Monograph