Agathosma, Buchu

Agathosma betulina
Köhler, Köhler’s Medizinal Pflanzen (1883-1914)

Left: Short Buchu; Right: Long Buchu
Squibb's Atlas of the Official Drugs, Mansfield, 1919

Botanical name:
Agathosma betulina (syn. Barosma betulina, Diosma crenata)
Three main varieties appear on the market:
  1. A. betulina
  2. A. serratifolia
  3. A. cretulata

Parts used:
Leaf

Temperature & Taste:
Cool, dry. Bitter, Pungent

Uses:
1. Clears Heat and Damp, Promotes Urine:
-Cystitis, Urinary Tract Infections, Urethritis
-Edema, Dysuria
-increased Uric acid
-Prostatitis with incontinence
-Stones
-Gout, Rheumatism

2. Moves the Qi:
-Indigestion, Colic

3. Clears Heat, Promotes Sweat:
-occasionally used as a diaphoretic

DOSE:
Of the Powder: 1–2 grams
Infusion: 1–2 teaspoonfuls per cup
Of the Tincture (1:5 in 60% alcohol): 2–4 mls., three times daily
Fluid Extract (1:1 in 90% alcohol): 0.5–1.5 mls.

SUBSTITUTE:
1. Rue and Yarrow have both been suggested as substitutes.
2. Bearberry
3. Tribulus (Pharmacographica Indica, 1890)
4. Chimaphilla

Main Combinations:
1. Edema, Urinary retention:
i. Buchu, Juniper berry
ii. Buchu, Sweet Spirits of Niter, Holland Gin
iii. Buchu, Juniper, Marshmallow
iv. Buchu, Juniper, Parsley Piert, Bearberry
v. Buchu, Parsley Piert, Wild Carrot seed, Pellitory, Juniper (Herb Manual, 1936)
v. Buchu, Cubebs, Dandelion root, Marshmallow, Poplar bark
vi. Buchu, Hydrangea, Broom tops, Couch grass, Bearberry, Saw Palmetto berries (Dr. Christopher)
vii. Buchu with Coffee, Vanilla, Couch grass root
2. Cystitis:
i. Buchu, Bearberry, Yarrow
ii. Buchu, Tansy, Wild Carrot, Bearberry, Juniper, Licorice
iii. Buchu, Parsley Piert, Broom, Bearberry, Juniper berry, Gum Arabic
3. Chronic Bladder irritability with constant desire to urinate, Buchu, Bearberry, Parsley root, Gravel root, Ginger (Dr. Christopher)
4. Bladder atony with mucus discharge, Buchu, Bearberry (equal parts as an infusion, Universal Formula, 1850)
5. Strangury, Buchu, Cleavers, Tansy, Poplar bark
6. Bright's Disease, Buchu, Blue Cohosh, Couch grass (Dr. Christopher)
7. Prostatitis:
i. Buchu, Saw Palmetto
ii. with incontinence, Buchu with Peach leaves
8. Stones: Buchu, Tribulus, Gravel root
9. Promote appetite and Digestion, Buchu with Hops, Wintergreen ('Hop Bitters')
10. Stomach weakness with Colic:
i. Buchu, Calamus, Fennel
ii. Buchu, Calamus, Fennel, Dandelion root, Marshmallow root
11. As a detoxifying drink, Buchu, Sarsaparilla, Dandelion, Yellow Dock root
12. Inflammation of the Uterus, Buchu, Comfrey, Pellitory of the Wall, Stinking Arach, White Poplar bark (equal parts)
13. To promote Sweat, Buchu with Elder flower


Major Formulas:

Cautions:
1. Avoid in Pregnancy
2. Large doses can irritate Kidneys and Gastrointestinal tract.

Main Preparations used:
Tincture, Fluid Extract