https://www.exercise.com/supplements/buchu-leaf
Buchu Leaf

Buchu Leaf

Aid Overall Health / Cleanse/Digestion

Buchu leaf comes from a small shrub indigenous to parts of South Africa. Scientifically, buchu leaf is known as Agathosma and is one of about 135 different species of the Rutaceae family.

Two specific species of the shrub, known as Agathosma betulina and Agathosma crenulata, are extensively grown throughout South Africa for commercial purposes. While both contain essential oils that can be used for a variety of purposes, the former also is often used as an herbal medicine and nutritional supplement.

Buchu leaf is typically used in one of three ways: a powder containing the ground leaves and other ingredients, a liquid detoction created by boiling the leaves and extracting their essential elements, and as straight leaves used to make teas, vinegars, or brandies. In the Western world we are more apt to use the powder or decoction form. In South Africa and other parts of the world all three forms are commonly used.

Not all types of physical activity are suitable for everyone. Users take training advice at their own personal risk.

Summary

Buchu Leaf as a Medicine The earliest use of buchu leaf in the modern era goes back to Dutch settlers living on the Western Cape of South Africa. They allegedly mixed a buchu leaf extract with wine and used it as a medicine for stomach ailments, urinary tract issues, and bowel issues. ... more

Buchu Leaf as a Medicine

The earliest use of buchu leaf in the modern era goes back to Dutch settlers living on the Western Cape of South Africa. They allegedly mixed a buchu leaf extract with wine and used it as a medicine for stomach ailments, urinary tract issues, and bowel issues.

Buchu leaf was also used to anoint their bodies as protection against infection and insect bites, as well as a treatment for open wounds. Cooked, ground, and mixed into a paste, buchu leaf apparently has some cutaneous properties that promote the healing of damaged skin.

It is believed that buchu leaf was introduced into modern medicine by a British pharmaceutical company in the 1820s. While this can't be confirmed, there is sufficient evidence to suggest that London druggists were among the earliest to offer it as an extract or tonic.

At the time, buchu leaf was marketed as being useful for dyspepsia, rheumatism, and even general aches and pains. Unlike some other "wonder tonics" of the day, buchu leaf actually lived up to many of the claims attached to it. Buchu leaf eventually made its way to American drugstores in the 1860s.

Modern Dietary Supplementation of Buchu Leaf

Among the many dietary supplements utilizing buchu leaf, those aimed at the digestive health and women's needs are the most popular. Buchu has been shown to be an effective diuretic and dyspeptic making it ideal for these uses.

Additionally, buchu leaf contains a decent amount of salicylic acid as well as antimicrobial ingredients. This makes it useful for preventing kidney and bladder infections and reducing inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis and general colds and flus.

Because of centuries of documented use as a medicinal herb, buchu leaf is a very common dietary supplement ingredient. You'll sometimes find it as part of a digestive health formula, a multivitamin formula, or a female-specific supplement.

You can also find buchu leaf as a standalone supplement in powder form or a concentrated liquid. Be sure to follow dosage instructions when using the supplement as a standalone product.

Recommended Dosage of Buchu Leaf

According to Baptist Health Systems, buchu used in leaf form for the treatment of kidney and bladder infections should be taken at a dosage of no more than one to two grams, three times daily. When using it in powder form the recommended dosage is 20 to 30 grains, mixed with a liquid, up to four times daily. At these dosages there is some anecdotal evidence that buchu leaf might be a fairly good appetite suppressant.

Buchu leaf may cause more harm than good if taken in excess.  Baptist Health Systems notes that buchu leaf contains pulegone, a known liver toxin that can be dangerous if it builds up in the system. They recommend not using buchu leaf at all.

Possible Side Effects of Buchu Leaf

According to WebMD, buchu leaf is most likely safe in food amounts and the medicinal doses listed above. However, they warned it is likely unsafe if taken in excess due to its potential for toxicity.

Even used in amounts that are considered to be safe, buchu leaf does have some common side effects among many users. These side effects include stomach irritation, increased menstrual flow, and a reduction in the body's blood clotting ability. Due to the blood clotting issue, it is recommended that users discontinue taking buchu leaf at least two weeks prior to any kind of surgery.

Those with kidney and liver disease are strongly encouraged not to use buchu leaf under any circumstances. In addition, individuals with a history of liver disease in their family should always be monitored for liver issues when taking buchu leaf.

At the first sign of liver problems use should be discontinued. Pregnant women should not ingest buchu leaf in doses greater than what's considered food-safe as it could potentially cause miscarriage.

To locate and compare products containing buchu leaf, use the supplement finder now!

Other

  • Side Effects
  • Other Names
  • Uses
Overdose Toxicity
Blood Clotting Problems
Contraindicated For Certain Medical Conditions
Increased Menstrual Cycle Flow
Stomach Irritation
Agathosma, Agathosma Betulina, Agathosma Crenulata
Anti-inflammatory
Digestive Health
Diuretic
Dyspepsia
Healing
Rheumatism
Stomach Issues/Ailments
Wound Healing
Aches & Pains
Bowel Issues
Female Ailments
Prevents Bladder & Kidney Infection
Protects Against Infection
Treats Insect Bites
Urinary Tract Issues