Common Name: Buchu

General Information

Agathosma betulina is an aromatic, evergreen shrub growing up to 2 metres tall.
A commonly used traditional S. African herbal remedy, it was introduced into western herbal medicine in the 18th century[]. It is widely cultivated for medicinal use in S. Africa and to a limited extent in S. America[]. The dried herb is traded internationally.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Africa - S. Africa.

Habitat

Sandy mountain slopes at elevations of 300 - 700 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants require a minimum temperature no lower than about 5°c[].
Requires a lime-free, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in a sunny position[].
The plants are extremely aromatic, filling the surrounding area with their scent[]. The aroma is reminiscent of blackcurrants, though some people detect a mixture of rosemary and peppermint[].

Edible Uses

The strongly aromatic leaves are used in making a brandy[]. An extract of the leaves is an ingredient of a herbal wine[].

Buchu essential oil, obtained from the leaves, has been approved in the USA as a food flavouring agent, at concentrations of up to about 0.002% (15.4 ppm). A camphor-peppermint aroma, it is used for flavouring candy, ice cream, baked goods and condiments[]. The oil is also listed by the Council of Europe as a natural source of food flavouring[].

Medicinal

Buchu is a strongly aromatic herb that has been shown to stimulate and cleanse the urinary system, and increase perspiration[]. The plant contains an essential oil, a primary ingredient of which is diosphenol - this has been shown to be a potent diuretic and antiseptic[]. Other active ingredients in the essential oil are menthone, isomenthone, limonene and pulegone[].
The plant also contains the flavonoids rutin and diosmin[]

The leaves are used internally in the treatment of kidney and urinary tract infections (especially prostatitis and cystitis), digestive problems, gout, rheumatism, coughs and colds[, ].
Externally, the leaves are used in traditional medicine as a powder to deter insects and in a vinegar-based lotions to soothe bruises and sprains[]. An infusion in vinegar is used as an antiseptic wash or embrocation[].
The leaves are harvested when the plant is flowering, and can be dried for later use[].

Research has shown that the plant contains a substance that blocks ultra-violet light, and may have applications in skin preparations[].

Other Uses

The dried leaves are powdered and used as an insect repellent[].

Propagation

Seed -
Cuttings of semi-ripe wood.

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