Known to treat ailments, such as yeast infections and cystitis, buchu is a traditional shrub hailing from South Africa. Used as a diuretic, stimulant, and digestive system remedy, the Western world of herbal medicine has also recognized the plant for its healing powers linked to the urinary system. In this article, you will learn preparation methods, as well as uses for buchu.
Leathery leaves decorate the bushy shrub known as buchu, which is filled with oil glands that come in handy for natural treatments. The leaves are harvested during the summer season and play a significant role in herbal preparations for infections of the urinary system. As a native plant of South Africa, buchu is often located growing on hillsides, but some parts of South America have been known to cultivate the plant. In order to grow the shrub, plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil is required.
Containing volatile oil, the leaves possess helpful antiseptic properties. With a strong, distinct scent and taste, buchu often gives the impression of black current at times, with some people associating the leaves of the plant with a cross between peppermint and rosemary.
Traditional and Modern Uses
Traditionally, buchu was an important source of healing for the Khoikhoin people of South Africa, as they benefited from its stimulating and diuretic properties. Fighting bloating and gas, they also took advantage of the aromatic scent that the plant produced.
Early Westerners first exported the herb to Britain during the late 1700’s. It wasn’t until 1821 that the shrub was recognized as an official method of medical treatment. The publication British Pharmacopocia listed the herb as possessing the ability to treat ‘cystitis, urethritis, nephritis, and catarrh of the bladder.’ During modern times, the use of buchu hasn’t differed as much. It is still used to treat urinary infections. Combined with other herbs, such as cornsilk and juniper, buchi has brought about results in the treatment of acute cystitis. Mixed with uva-ursi, an irritable bladder and prostatitis is also treated. When taken on a regular basis, buchi can help prevent recurrent attacks of urethritis and chronic cystitis.
How to Prepare Buchi
Attention women , if buchi has caught your eye as a possible remedy, it is important to avoid the herb if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. All others interested in using buchi to treat one of your medical concerns, you may want to consider the following preparations for the herb:
· Capsules: To treat cystitis, take one 500-milligram capsule for two times per day.
· Infusion: An infusion of buchi can treat the symptoms of prostatitis. Drink one cup two times per day.
· Tincture: To ease the discomfort and symptoms of chronic urinary infections, take 40 drops of a tincture made with buchi with water for three times per day.