BUCHU

OTHER NAME(S):

Agathosma betulina, Agathosma crenulata, Agathosma serratifolia, Anysboegoe, Barosma betulina, Barosma crenulata, Barosmae Folium, Barosma serratifolia, Bookoo, Bucco, Buccu, Bucku, Bukku, Diosma, Diosma crenulata, Diosma serratifolia, Hartogia betulin, Long-Leaf Buchu, Oval Buchu, Oval-Leaf Buchu, Parapetalifera betulina, Parapetalifera crenulata, Parapetalifera odorata, Parapetalifera serrata, Parapetalifera serratifolia, Round Buchu, Round-Leaf Buchu, Short Buchu.

Overview

Overview Information

Buchu is a plant from South Africa. The leaf is used to make medicine.

Buchu is used for urinary tract infections (UTIs), including infections involving the urethra (urethritis) and kidneys (pyelonephritis). It is also used by mouth for treating inflamed prostate (prostatitis), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), high blood pressure, fever, cough, common cold, upset stomach, stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gout, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Buchu is applied to the skin as an insect repellant, as a deodorant, and for skin infections.

In manufacturing, the oil from buchu is used to give a fruit flavor (often black currant) to foods. It is also used as a fragrance in perfumes and colognes.

How does it work?

It is thought that the active chemicals in buchu may kill germs and also promote urine flow.

Uses

Uses & Effectiveness?

Insufficient Evidence for

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of buchu for these uses.

Side Effects

Side Effects & Safety

Buchu is LIKELY SAFE in food amounts and POSSIBLY SAFE when used as a medicine. But it is POSSIBLY UNSAFE in larger amounts and when the oil is consumed. Buchu may irritate the stomach and kidneys and increase menstrual flow. It may also cause liver damage.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Don’t use buchu in amounts that are larger than usual food amounts if you are pregnant. Buchu is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken during pregnancy. There have been reports linking buchu to miscarriages.

If you are breast-feeding, buchu is POSSIBLY SAFE in food amounts, but don’t take larger amounts. Not enough is known about the safety of buchu during breast-feeding.

Bleeding disorders: Buchu might slow blood clotting and increase bleeding. In theory, buchu might make bleeding disorders worse.

Kidney infections: Even though some people use buchu for kidney infections, health experts advise against this.

Liver problems: Large amounts of buchu may cause liver problems, even in healthy people. Therefore, people with a history of liver problems should avoid buchu. Taking a large amount of buchu might make liver disease worse.

Urinary tract inflammation: Don’t use buchu if you have pain and swelling in the urinary tract.

Surgery: Buchu might slow blood clotting. There is some concern that it might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using buchu at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Interactions?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

!

  • Lithium interacts with BUCHU

    Buchu might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking buchu might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with BUCHU

    Buchu might slow blood clotting. Taking buchu along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
    Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Dosing

Dosing

The appropriate dose of buchu depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for buchu. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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View References

REFERENCES:

  • Lis-Balchin, M., Hart, S., and Simpson, E. Buchu (Agathosma betulina and A. crenulata, Rutaceae) essential oils: their pharmacological action on guinea-pig ileum and antimicrobial activity on microorganisms. J Pharm.Pharmacol. 2001;53(4):579-582. View abstract.
  • Sim, M. J., Choi, D. R., and Ahn, Y. J. Vapor phase toxicity of plant essential oils to Cadra cautella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). J Econ Entomol. 2006;99(2):593-598. View abstract.
  • Simpson, D. Buchu--South Africa's amazing herbal remedy. Scott.Med J 1998;43(6):189-191. View abstract.
  • Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
  • Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines. 1st ed. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp., 1999.
  • Moolla A, Viljoen AM. 'Buchu' - Agathosma betulina and Agathosma crenulata (Retaceae): a review. J Ethnopharmacol 2008;119(3):413-9. View abstract.
  • Street RA, Prinsloo G. Commercially important medicinal plants of South Africa: a review. Journal of Chemistry 2013;(2013):205048.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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