Latin Name
Agathosma spp.

General Description
The leaves of this southern African shrub contain an oil that increases the production of urine. African people used it for urinary problems long before they had contact with Europeans. In the 17th century, Dutch settlers in South Africa used it to treat urinary tract infections and kidney stones. In 1847, buchu was introduced in the U.S. and hailed as a cure-all. Today Western herbalists continue the tradition, prescribing buchu for urinary tract infections and as a diuretic, and also for treating premenstrual syndrome and high blood pressure. Buchu has a mintlike smell and taste.

Target Ailments
Taken internally for:

• Bloating caused by premenstrual syndrome, genital and urinary tract disorders.

Taken internally in conjunction with conventional medical treatment for:

• High blood pressure, congestive heart failure.

Preparations
Over the counter:
You can obtain buchu dried and as a tincture at health food stores. The herb is also found in Fluidex and Odrinil, two commercial diuretics used to treat premenstrual syndrome.

At home:
Infusion: 1 to 2 tsp. dried, crumbled leaves added to 1 cup of boiling water and steeped for 10 minutes.
Combinations: Buchu mixed with uva ursi, yarrow or couch grass to treat cystitis (bladder inflammation). Buchu combined with corn silk or marsh mallow for dysuria (painful or difficult urination).

Special Information

• WARNING: Diuretics such as buchu may deplete the body`s potassium levels, so be sure to eat more potassium-rich foods, such as bananas and fresh vegetables, while taking buchu.
  
• If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before taking buchu or any other diuretic.
  
• If you plan to treat high blood pressure with buchu, do so only under a doctor`s care as part of a larger treatment plan.
  
• Avoid buchu if you have a history of kidney disease; its oil content may be too irritating.