Agathosma betulina

Buchu

Agathosma betulina, commonly known as buchu, is a low-growing shrub endemic to the Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces of South Africa. For centuries, the Khoikhoi and San peoples have harvested its leaves as a remedy for urinary tract infections, kidney disorders, and digestive complaints. The plant’s essential oil, rich in diosphenol (buchu camphor) and pulegone, gives the leaves their distinctive blackcurrant-mint aroma.

Traditional preparation involves steeping the dried leaves in hot water or brandy. Buchu is classified as a hydrolysable tannin remedy, with demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In contemporary herbal medicine, buchu is prescribed for cystitis, urethritis, and prostatitis. The leaves are also used in perfumery and as a flavouring agent.

Chemical Constituents

Diosphenol, pulegone, menthone, limonene, quercetin, rutin, tannins, mucilage.

Traditional Preparation

Infusion: 1–2 teaspoons of dried leaves per cup of boiling water, steeped for 10 minutes. Tincture: 1:5 in 60% alcohol, taken in 2–4 ml doses.