Barosma betulina
Rutaceae
Names: Bucco, Agathosma betulina.
Habitat: S. Africa.
Collection: The leaves should be collected during the flowering and fruiting stage.
Part Used: Leaves.
Constituents:
- Volatile oil, diosphenol (=buchu camphor), pulegone, (+) and (-) isopulegone,
8-mercapto-p-menthan-3-one, responsible for the black currant type odour;
8-acetylthiomenthone, piperitone epoxide (+)-menthone, (-)-isomenthone,
p-cymol, limonene, terpineol
- Flavonoids; rutin, diosmin, hesperidin, quercitin and derivatives
- Miscellaneous; vitamins of the B group, tannin and mucilage.
Actions: Diuretic, urinary antiseptic.
Indications: Buchu may be
used in any infection of the genito-urinary system, such as cystitis, urethritis and prostatitis. Its healing and soothing properties indicate its use together with other relevant remedies in many conditions of this system, especially useful where dysuria is part of the symptom picture. The oil content may be too irritating for people with a history of major kidney disease.
Ellingwood says that " it acts directly upon
the urinary apparatus, stimulating the kidneys . . . by its tonic and restorative influence. It relieves irritation of the bladder and urethra, and is valuable in catarrh of the bladder, pyelitis and gonorrhoea."
Combinations: In cystitis it may be used with Bearberry, Yarrow or Couchgrass, for dysuria with Corn Silk or Marshmallow.
Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l-2 teaspoonfuls of the leaves
and let infuse for l0 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.
Tincture: take 1-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.
