Synonyms: Agathosma, Bookoo, Bucco, Bucku, Buku, Diosma, Honey Buchu, Long Buchu, Round Buchu, Short Buchu, Short-Leaf Mountain Buchu
Family: Rutaceae
Genus species: Round Buchu: Agathosma betulina (syn. Barosma betulina), Agathosma crenulata (Long Buchu), Barosma crenulata, Barosma serratifolia
Type: Shrub
Part Used: Leaves
Location: Cape Province, South Africa
Actions: Anticatarrhal, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, tonic, urinary antiseptic, urinary tract alterative
Indications: Arthritis, bed-wetting, bladder disorders, Bright's disease, catarrh, cystitis, cystorrhea, diabetes mellitus, diuretic, dysuria, enteritis, flatulence, glomerulonephritis, gonorrhea, gout, hypoglycemia, kidney disorders, lithiasis, nephritis, prostate gland disorders, prostatitis, pyelitis, pyelonephritis, respiratory disorders, rheumatism, sinusitis, ulcer, urethritis
Chemicals & Nutrients: Aluminum, beta-Carotene, Bioflavonoids, Calcium, Chromium, Diosmin, Hesperidin, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein, Selenium, Silicon, Sodium, Vitamin C, Zinc
Preparation & Dosages: (3x/day)
Dried Leaves: 1-2 g by infusion
Infusion, Cold: 1-3 ounces up to 4x/day
Liquid Extract: 1:1 in 90% alcohol, dose 0.3-1.2 ml
Tincture: 1:5 in 60% alcohol, dose 2-4 ml
Tincture: 1:5 in 80% alcohol, dose; add 30-60 drops to water up to 4x/day
Contraindications: Diverticulitis, diverticulosis, duodenal ulcer, esophageal refulx, gastrointestinal disease, kidney infection (nephritis), lactation, pregnancy, spastic colitis, stomach ulcer, ulcerative colitis.
Drug Interactions: Due to the diuretic action of this herb the following drug interactions are possible: increased risk of toxicity with anti-inflammatory analgesics; if hypokalemia occurs possible antagonism with antiarrhythmics and potentiation of muscle relaxants; antagonizes antidiabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs; may potentiate and/or interfere with antihypertensives; may potentiate lithium therapy; when taken with corticosteroids there is a risk for hypokalemia; may potentiate other diuretics and increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Side Effects: (Possible adverse effects and/or overdose effects) Occasional gastrointestinal intolerance, nausea, vomiting, avoid taking on an empty stomach, may irritate diseased kidneys. May increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Warning: Do not boil buchu leaves.