Witnessed by: Western
Buchu (Agathosma betulina), of the Rutaceae family. Low aromatic evergreen shrub with leathery gland-dotted leaves; native range: the dry fynbos slopes of the western Cape of South Africa. Globally recognized as round buchu, mountain buchu, bookoo in English. The part used is leaf. Small resinous leaf smelling strongly of blackcurrant and mint, pungent and aromatic on the tongue.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
BUCHU
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- buchu
- Scientific name
- Agathosma betulina (P.J.Bergius) Pillans
- Family
- Rutaceae
Form
- Part used
- leaf
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- Western
- aromatic · pungent · bitter
Temperature
- Western
- warm
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- Western
- kidneys · bladder · mucous membranes
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- Western
- urinary antiseptic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory to the urinary tract, carminative, diaphoretic
Cautions
- Contraindications
- pregnancy (the volatile oil is irritant and emmenagogue); acute inflammation of the kidney
- Toxicity
- the strong volatile oil may irritate the kidneys and stomach in excess
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