BUCHU

(Barosma betulina, Diosma betulina; B. crenulata; B. serratifolia; RUTACEAE)

Part used:  Leaves

Therapeutic action:

Diuretic, diaphoretic, stimulant, aromatic, antiseptic, tonic, astringent, carminative, vulnerary; large doses; emetic, cathartic.

Buchu is a mild aromatic, atonic diuretic that is slightly diffusive and stimulating, exerts a healing influence on all chronic complaints of the genitourinary tract. It increases the quantity of urinic fluids (which become darker and strongly aromatic) and solids, and at the same time it acts as a tonic, astringent and disinfectant to the mucous membranes and diminishes their secretion into the urinary channel. Buchu increases the pulse rate, stimulates the appetite by influencing the mucous membrane of the stomach, soothes the pelvic nerves, and produces slight moisture on the skin. It is effective in chronic irritability of the bladder, when there is a frequent desire to urinate.

Medicinal uses:

Backache, gravel, dropsy, aching of penis, myelitis, cystitis, urethritis, lithiasis, chronic bronchitis, prostate complaints, atonic dyspepsia, chronic rheumatism, skin affections, gleet, gonorrhea, inflamed prostate, retention or incontinence of urine, feeble digestion, flatulence, inflammation or catarrh of bladder, congestion of prostate, renal discharges, spermatorrhea, leucorrhea, diabetes (first stage), irritation of urethra; mucous membrane, painful urination.

Preparation:

Fluid extract, infusion, powder, solid extract, tincture.

Be careful not to boil buchu, as the volatile oil which contains much of the therapeutic value will effervesce and escape, and thereby render it to a large extent inert medicinally.