Buchu Leaf is indigenous to South Africa, and then the Dutch colonists learned about this herbal remedy and started using it for muscle pains, cholera, arthritis and kidney stones. The herb has gained such popularity in the foodie world, as well as in the perfume industry. While the sudden use is contemporary, the truth of it is, ancient wisdom has employed the herbal remedy for centuries and for a wide range of diseases. It has been known to strengthen the urinary system and to ease inflammation of the bladder, reduce bloating and excess water weight, alleviate painful urination, reduce swelling of the prostate, treat incontinence associated with prostate problems, and eliminate uric acid from the kidneys. Buchu is found to be useful for the bloating associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It lessens the inflammation of the vagina, prostate, sinus, mucous membrane, colon, and gums. It has been used to treat cellulite, sprains, wounds and skin problems. Its mild effects make the herb beneficial for use with children and for the elderly.
Buchu leaves contain components that considered to be sweepers or natural detoxifying agents. When the body hold retains water, it can become toxic causing illnesses like high blood pressure, uric acid, gout and other issues. One of Buchu's most useful properties is its ability to promote the elimination of mucus and uric acid from the kidneys. Buchu Leaf promotes detoxification with its great anti-bacterial properties and helps to improve flow to the kidneys to flush out any toxic wastes, and harmful free radicals. Buchu, as an herbal diuretic, stimulates and cleanses the urinary system and is an excellent remedy for urine stoppage. It has been used to treat pyelitis, pyelonephritis, dysuria, gravel, prostate problems, gallstones and dropsy edema. Additionally, this herb may be extremely helpful for adult urinary incontinence and bedwetting. Its mild effects make the herb beneficial for use with children and for the elderly.
As a natural antispasmodic, diuretic and anti-inflammatory, Buchu Leaf reduces cramping associated with urinary tract infections (UTI), expedites the bacterial cleansing of the urinary tract and controls inflammation and discomfort, providing a one stop solution for all the distasteful symptoms of urinary tract infections. Approved by the FDA, WHO and EU as safe and non-toxic, Buchu is particularly aggressive in the destruction of pathogens associated with UTIs and has a 47.6% kill rate on E.coli and a 69.9% success rate against Enterococcus (a bacteria that live in the digestive and genital tracts) and as an antimicrobial, effective against other pathogens, as well. Buchu is often used in combination herbal remedies for the urinary system, along with herbs such as
Uva ursi,
Dandelion root, and
Cleavers leaf.
Many inflammatory diseases can be helped by the use of Buchu leaf extract. The herb was believed to be an elixir of youth and it is widely used today as a general tonic to promote physical wellbeing. It is a valuable source of vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as minerals, flavonoids, tannins, mucilage, antioxidants, diosphenol (a valuable property possessing antiseptic and diuretic properties).
And for those who are seeking a natural weight loss management supplement, Buchu leaf extracts have been approved by the American Food and Drug organization as well as having European Union approval. Buchu not only enhances the body's metabolism rate but may also help in eradicating bad fatty cells from the body. Buchu Leaf also increases perspiration and is an excellent means of cleansing toxins from the body through the skin.
Buchu is supportive to the digestive tract and useful for improving mild digestive disorders such as indigestion, stomachaches, and flu symptoms. Buchu Leaf tincture reduces gas often produced in the stomach and intestine while eating. The export of Buchu leaves to Britain and the U.S. was a well-developed industry in the last century. It has also been useful for preventing hangovers and other symptoms of indulgence.
The herbal tincture of Buchu leaf has been used to soothe and stimulate the mucous membranes of the respiratory system and is very beneficial for treating coughs and chronic bronchitis.
Buchu leaf research, on the healing properties of this fascinating herb, continues to this day. Some studies have demonstrated Buchu is highly effective in treating the swelling of the joints found in rheumatism and arthritis, and may also be effective an effective herbal medicine for the chronic pain and morning stiffness associated with these conditions.
The leaves of Buchu or Agathosma betulina contains an agent which blocks out ultraviolet light and therefore, may be useful as a sunscreen. Buchu has been used for centuries to treat diseases of the skin. The anti-bacterial and antibiotic traits of Buchu leaf extract happen naturally, and aids in the removal of impurities, shielding the skin from the bacterial growth which blocks pores resulting in skin irritation, pimples, or acne. The well-kept secret is that it not only gets rid of the bacteria, but it cares for and moisturizes the skin. The herbal tincture may be used in a lotion as an after-shave, to prevent prickly and hideous shaving rashes. Buchu leaf extract has applications, when used topically, in skin preparations for washing wounds, and to relieve swelling and ease the pain of bruises and sprains.
