BUCHU INDIGENOUS

Agathosma betulina Boegoe (Afrikaans), ibuchu (Xhosa)

ORIGIN OF PLANT / HABITAT Has a restricted natural distribution area in the mountains of the Western Cape. Plantations have been established to reduce pressure on wild populations. GROWTH A shrub of up to 2m in height. LEAF SHAPE leaves are about 20mm long, characteristically very broad (less than twice as long as broad) with a rounded apex which curves backwards. Conspicuous oil glands are present along the margins & lower surfaces of the leaves. This species is often confused with A. crenulata, but in the latter the leaves are more than twice as long as they are broad. FLOWERS Small, star-shaped & white or pale purple. AROMA Blackcurrant smell. PARTS USED Dried leaves. CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS Research has shown that buchu contains a substance that blocks ultraviolet light; it may have applications in skin products. ACTIONS A blackcurrant scented herb that stimulates and cleanses the urinary system & increases perspiration. CAUTIONS Should not be used during pregnancy.

MEDICINAL
Internally Stomach problems, kidney & urinary tract disease, rheumatism, diuretic, mild urinary antiseptic, Externally Wounds, bruises, sprains (vinegar)

CULINARY
To flavour wine & brandy.

HOME
An anti-insect powder.

ESSENTIAL OIL
Extraction by steam distillation from the dried leaves. No home or aromatherapy use. Limited use in blackcurrant flavour and fragrance work, for example colognes & chypre bases. Should not be used during pregnancy.

ECONOMIC
Extracts used to give a blackcurrant flavour to foods & drinks by manufacturers & to enhance the blackcurrant aroma of cassis.

HISTORICAL
Buchu, an African word for dusting powder, is used for several species of Agathosma. Several species are important & popular herbs in African tribal culture, the powdered leaves being mixed with fat to make an anointing oil.

FOLKLORE/MYTHICAL
POWERS: Psychic power, prophetic dreams. MAGICKAL USES: An infusion of buchu when drunk, allows one to foretell the future. Frankincense mixed with buchu is burned directly before retiring to produce prophetic dreams. Only a small amount should be burnt & this must be in the bedroom.

INFO REF: Van Wyk, B.; Van Oudtshoorn, B. & Gericke, N. 2000. Medicinal Plants of South Africa. Cunningham, S. ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MAGICAL HERBS. Llewellyn Publications, 2002. Brown, D. THE NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF HERBS & THEIR USES. Dorling Kindersley, 2002. Lawless, J. ESSENTIAL OILS, AN ILLUSTRATED GUIDE. Element, 2001.

SPECIMEN COLLECTED Eppie White garden DATE 04/2003