Botanical benefits buchu leaves

Darrell Miller

09/07/16

Date: September 07, 2016 05:52 PM
Author: Darrell Miller
Subject: Botanical benefits buchu leaves

Giving off a sweet, peppermint fragrance, buchu or Agothosma Betulina has been part of the indigenous culture and heritage of South Africa for more than three centuries. Its earliest documentation dates back to 1652 when the Khoisan bushmen first introduced this versatile plant to the Dutch colonists.

Today, it is a well-recognised culinary leaf-spice commonly featured on the menus of top South African restaurants. But apart from its contemporary culinary uses, did you know that it is chock-full of health benefits too?

This herb contains antibacterial, antifungal and antispasmodic properties, providing relief to pre-menstrual cramping and bloating. What’s more, these unassuming leaves have also been used in Western herbal medicine to relieve inflammation, treat kidney, urinary infections, used as a diuretic, as well as a stomach tonic. Like many natural diuretics, buchu doesn’t seem to lower potassium levels like some drugs do.

It is no wonder the early Khoisans championed this healing herb as an elixir of youth!

References:

1. https://www.drugs.com/npc/buchu.html
2. //skintreatmentz.blogspot.com/2015/08/buchu-didnt-know-these-7-awesome-health.html
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agathosma_betulina
4. //www.health24.com/Diet-and-nutrition/Beverages/The-health-benefits-of-buchu-tea-20130708
5. //www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/buchu-herb.html