Buchu, dubbed as South Africa’s ‘miracle herb’, is one of the indigenous plants that have been in usage since time immemorial. The Buchu plant is predominantly native to South Africa, and it holds a special place owing to its numerous health benefits. So, what is Buchu used for? Does it have any side effects?
The Buchu plant has a spicy odour and a taste that is similar to a blend of peppermint and rosemary. Even though this miracle herb was commonly used in ancient times for its curative properties, its popularity today has grown tremendously for both industrial and medicinal uses. So, what is Buchu good for? Below we take a look into the uses, health benefits, and side effects of this miracle herb.
Uses of Buchu
Due to its healing and detoxifying properties, Buchu leaves are used in making oils and tea.
1. Cosmetic industry
Because of its strong scent, the leaves of this miracle herb are used in the manufacture perfumes, colognes, and deodorants.
2. Food industry
The leaves of this incredible herb are spicy with a taste resembling the black currant flavour and a mix of rosemary and peppermint. For this reason, it is used in the preparation of a wide array of foodstuffs to enhance the taste.
3. Buchu oil
Buchu essential oil is harvested from the leaves of two species of the plant (Agathosma betulina & Agathosma crenulata). The oil is known for its therapeutic properties and is used in the treatment of colds & flu, rheumatism, urinary tract infections, and cholera.
4. Buchu water
Water from this miracle herb is made from dried leaves of the plant and spring water. The beverage is used for detoxifying the body and in treating inflammation in the stomach.
5. Buchu tea
When life pressures are too much to bear, we all love a steamy cup of tea. The best part is the tea does not only have to be a hot beverage but also a healthy tonic drink with numerous health benefits.
What does Buchu tea taste like? There are various ways to drink your Buchu tea. You can either have a blend of the miracle herb and Cinnamon, or if you do not like Cinnamon, you can mix the tea with ginger, lemon, honey, or moringa depending on how you want it to taste.
Incredible Buchu benefits
Even though there are plenty of Buchu tea benefits, the most significant ones include:
1. Treatment of coughs, colds & flu
Buchu leaves are known to have antipyretic and antimicrobial properties. This makes it the best ailment to cure people against cough, cold, and flu. During ancient times, individuals would boil the leaves extract and drink it to cure their cold.
2. Heals wound
The Buchu plant has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, and due to this, it is used in the treatment of wounds. To do this, mix the leaves of the miracle herb with vinegar and apply it directly to the injury to encourage healing.
3. Good for a healthy skin
Buchu leaves are known to moisturize the skin, leaving it softer, especially in desert-like weathers. This is why it is used in making oils in the cosmetic industry.
4. Helps with digestion
One of Buchu tea benefits is that it aids in boosting healthy metabolism, which helps to eliminate several stomach complications such as indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
5. Removes body toxins
This miracle herb is an excellent diuretic, meaning that it aids in the elimination of unwanted substances and toxins such as excess water, cellulite, fat, uric acid, and excess salts from the body. Moreover, the plant can also treat urinary tract infections and kidney infections.
6. Used as a repellant
Because Buchu oil is toxic to cell metabolism, this makes it an ideal insecticide. During the ancient period, people would smoke Buchu leaves to guard themselves against insects, ants, flies, and bugs. Today, campers and trekkers can use the oil to protect themselves from mosquitoes and ants.
7. Rich source of vitamins
Buchu has essential nutrients like vitamins A, B & E, antioxidants, and bioflavonoids that assist in keeping the overall health of the body.
8. Relieves rheumatic illnesses
Buchu oil helps in relieving rheumatic diseases. This is because it has diuretic properties; hence, it eliminates toxins and excess water from the body boosts the immune system. Furthermore, the essential oil is antispasmodic, which helps it to relieve pain and spasms in the muscles, thus, alleviating the symptoms of rheumatism.
Buchu oil sides effects
The Buchu plant is considered toxic when used in large quantities. How many times a day can I drink buchu tea? It is recommended that the daily dosage that one should take is 3-6 grams of the dried leaves in tea or 2-4.5 ml of the liquid extract. Some of the side effects of the herb include:
- Can lead to skin irritation, inflammation, and allergies.
- It is not advisable to use Buchu oil when taking anticoagulant and antiplatelet medication. This is because it may slow down blood clotting; hence, result in increased bleeding.
- Pregnant women and lactating mums should NOT ingest or apply Buchu.
- Individuals suffering from kidney and liver conditions should NOT use Buchu oil.
- Only use Buchu oil when prescribed by a qualified aromatherapist.
As you can see from above, Buchu is indeed a miracle herb that offers a myriad of health benefits, and it is undoubtedly an exceptional must-have herb in your home. The next time you come across Buchu plants for sale, make sure you purchase and plant them in your garden to enjoy these benefits first-hand.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content including text, graphics, images, and information contained on or available through this page is for general information purposes only.
ncG1vNJzZmiaop6yp7jYZ5qoZqqWfHR%2FlmloZpqlmLW2edSsnKxlmJqurcDHZpmeppWbtrW%2FjKygnZ1dmrOnscKtqmegpKK5