Buchu

Afrika Botanicals is a leading and established brand focusing on supplying Buchu.

We proudly offer our Buchu to companies and entrepreneurs looking for alternative medicinal ingredients in their production processes.

About

Buchu

Buchu (Agathosma betulina and A. crenulata) refers to two small shrub species native to the Western Cape region of South Africa. These aromatic plants are members of the Rutaceae family and grow wild on the rocky slopes and mountainous areas near Cape Town. The leaves of buchu have a distinct blackcurrant or menthol-like scent and flavour due to their essential oil content.

Medicinal Uses

For centuries, the Khoisan people of southern Africa have been harnessing the power of buchu leaves in their traditional herbal remedies. They highly valued buchu as a diuretic, using it to treat urinary tract infections, kidney and bladder disorders. Additionally, buchu was a go-to for topical applications, particularly for wound healing and skin conditions like eczema. Modern research is discovering more about buchu’s potential antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to compounds like pugelone and diospenol.[1] Buchu oil and extracts have even been studied for their potential in treating prostatitis, yeast infections and gum disease.[2]

Using Buchu

When it comes to using buchu, the dried leaves can be prepared as an herbal tea or tincture. The essential oil is also available and can be used aromatically or diluted for topical use or added into cosmetic products. It’s important to note that buchu has a rich history in South African traditional medicine and continues to be a significant indigenous medicinal plant. However, the threat of over-harvesting looms large, underscoring the need for cultivation efforts that are focused on preserving this botanical treasure.

References:

[1] Moolla, A., & Viljoen, A. M. (2008). ‘Buchu’—Agathosma betulina and Agathosma crenulata (Rutaceae): a review. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 119(3), 413-419.

[2] Langley, D., Perkin, M. A., Rocco, V. M., Mathe, H. A., & Williamson, E. M. (2008). Anti-inflammatory effects of buchu (Agathosma betulina and A. crenulata). Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 117(3), 438-444.

Links:

https://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-buchu.html

https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2019-06/efficacy-and-safety-buchu

https://www.kewscience.com/file/buchu.html

https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?latinname=Agathosma+betulina

Afrika Botanicals proudly offers Buchu to those looking for alternative medicinal ingredients in their production processes.

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