Buchu is a plant native to South Africa. This indigenous plant is widely believed to possess medicinal properties and is one of the ancient remedies the country has to offer.
The medicinal properties of the leaves are utilised in the production of medicine. Buchu is commonly used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can affect the urethra and kidneys.
According to Babalwa Mpambani, an agronomist who serves as the scientific manager for horticulture at the Dohne Agricultural Development Institute in the Eastern Cape, buchu is comprised of two significant species: agathosma betulina (round leaf buchu) and agathosma crenulata (long leaf buchu).
During her time at Stellenbosch University in 2007, she conducted research on buchu plants. She primarily conducted her research on agathosma betulina, which can be found in the Western Cape highlands. Mpambani notes that it has been discovered in the mountains of Piketberg, Ceres, Tulbagh, Citrusdal, Clanwilliam, and Calvinia.
Buchu’s health advantages
Buchu was the most utilised plant among the Khoi and San communities and it forms a big part of their medicinal heritage. “They mixed the dried leaves with sheep fat to anoint their bodies,” Mpambani explains.
The leaves were also used to make brandy, which was later utilised as a successful treatment for all bladder, intestine, and stomach ailments. Additionally, buchu leaves were steeped in vinegar to make medicine for chest problems and cleansing wounds.
Mpambani says both the dried and essential oil forms of buchu were exported in the 1800s.
Cultivating the buchu plant
The buchu plant, being a perennial species, exhibits a degree of sensitivity and requires specific care during the harvesting process to ensure successful regeneration.
“It prefers acidic soil, with a pH range of 3 to 5.3 being found to be prevalent in the natural environment,” Mpambani explains.
Buchu shows robust growth in regions with a Mediterranean climate, characterised by arid summers and precipitation during the winter season spanning from May to September.
It typically requires moderate winter temperatures and elevated altitudes in order to flourish optimally.
According to Mpambani, the buchu plant is occasionally found or cultivated in certain regions of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, although it is predominantly known to thrive in the Western Cape.
More than medicine
Shihaam Domingo, who identifies as a food witch, is the founder of The Domingo Effect Roots Food from Retreat in Cape Town. She believes that the buchu plant has great potential for use in cooking.
She has extensively studied the culinary histories of various nations and has found that buchu has consistently been a key ingredient in enhancing the flavour of many dishes.
“Tea emerges as the preferred choice and the utilisation is widespread due to its possession of medicinal properties.”
“To prepare the tea, pour a cup of boiling water over one or two teaspoons of either dried or fresh leaves. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes, then strain it before drinking.”
A healer of many
Additionally, it has been found to have potential benefits in managing hypertension through its consumption as a beverage, promoting renal cleansing, and exhibiting efficacy in the treatment of urinary tract infections.
Domingo says that, like impepho, buchu may be utilised as a welcome plant by burning it for cleansing and soothing at home.
Upon immediate harvest, Domingo adds, the leaves are suitable for oral consumption and have been noted to provide significant alleviation to people suffering from arthritis.
“Buchu is an amazing plant that is also effective in healing wounds. I recommend this to people who have experienced accidents or undergone surgeries.”
Shihaam Domingo
Domingo has previously incorporated the plant into a sauce she prepared. Using fresh buchu, wild garlic, and coconut cream. The sauce is a suitable accompaniment for both ostrich meat and steak, she says.
Possible side effects
Drugs.com cautions that buchu has the potential to cause irritation in the stomach and kidneys and may also have abortive properties. It can also cause an increase in menstrual flow and it isn’t recommended for consumption while pregnant or breastfeeding.
It contains pulegone, which is a hepatotoxin that is also found in pennyroyal and is known to be toxic to the liver.
Before you treat yourself with any herbal or home remedies, make sure to check with your doctor.
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