agathosma betulina
agathosma betulina

Common names: round-leaf buchu, round-leaved buchu, mountain buchu, buchu (English); buchu (Khoi); ibuchu (Xhosa); ibuchu (Zulu); boegoe, buchu, bergboegoe, rondblaarboegoe (Afrikaans). 
Botanical name: Agathosma betulina
Previously known as: Barosma betulina

Agathosma betulina, also known as round-leaf buchu, is an aromatic shrub native to South Africa. Traditionally used medicinally by indigenous peoples, buchu has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Buchu leaves are rich in essential oils and make a fabulously refreshing tea with a minty-fruity, slightly bitter flavour. The leaves can be made into teas, tinctures, oils, and other preparations to treat digestive and urinary complaints. Buchu is also used as a natural flavoring agent. This hardy plant likes well-drained acidic soil and can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Pruning encourages new growth. Harvest leaves when flowering for optimal medicinal benefits.

Uses & Benefits: aromatic, cosmetics, culinary herb, flavouring, insect repellent, medicine, small garden, tea

All Plant Profiles

Nature & Cultivation

Family: Rutaceae
Type: shrub
Vegetation type:  
Flower colour: pink, white
Flowering season: Early Summer, Spring, Winter
Plant-animal interactions: bees, butterflies
Red list status: Least Concern

Light-level: afternoon sun, full sun, morning sun, semi-shade
Soil type: sandy, well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic
Propagation: cuttings, seed

Use as Medicine

Safety: caution during pregnancy, caution in long-term use, caution with high doses

Herbal traditions: Cape Herbal Medicine
Plant parts used: leaves

First-aid use: backache, bruising, colds & 'flu, colic, cystitis, eczema, fever, flatulence, gout, headache, indigestion, nausea, poor appetite, ringworm, stomach ache, strains & sprains, wounds 
Medical use:  
Veterinary use:  

Plant qualities: 
Plant actions: analgesic / anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antirheumatic, aperient, carminative, demulcent, diaphoretic, diffusive, diuretic, emollient, febrifuge / anti-pyretic, general tonic, hypoglycaemic / anti-diabetic, insect repellent, laxative, spasmolytic / anti-spasmodic, urinary stimulant, vulnerary
Phytochemical constituents: Vitamin B, diosmetin, diosmin, diosphenol, hesperidin, limonene, menthone, piperitenone, polysaccharides, pulegone, quercetin, resin, rutin, tannins

Plant preparations: balm, bath, capsules, compress, cordial, cream, dried, embrocation, essential oil, extract, fresh, gel, glycerite, infusion - aqueous, infusion - vegetable oil, infusion - vinegar, maceration, ointment, plaster, poultice, powder, salve, smudge, soap, spray, syrup, tincture, wash

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