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BUCHU
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(Barosma betulina) Top Pick
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Other Names
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Bookoo, Bucco, Oval Buchu, Short Buchu.
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Description
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Buchu is a small shrub native to South Africa. It grows 2 to 5 feet tall,
producing toothed leaves and 5 petal white to pink flowers. The oval fruit appears in
the fall.
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Classification
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Taste
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Humor
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Uses/Applications
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Buchu is best known for treating urinary infections and
cystitis. It is especially good for painful burning urination. It is also used for
PMS, and water retention, and to treat high blood pressure.
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Infusion
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Take for PMS.
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Combinations
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Yarrow, Couchgrass.
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Constituents
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Up to 2.5% Volatile Oils.
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Action
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Diuretic, Urinary Antiseptic, Tonic, Aromatic, Carminative,
Stimulant.
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Food Values
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None.
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Part Used
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Leaves.
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Collection
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Collect the leaves while shrubs are flowering.
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Preparation
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Capsule
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Take 1 capsule three times per day.
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Extract
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Take 10 - 30 drops in juice once a day.
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Infusion
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Pour one cup boiling water onto 2 Tsp. leaves. Infuse 10
minutes. Take three times per day.
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Tincture
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Take 2 - 4 ml. three times per day.
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Growing Directions
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Buchu is not cultivated in North America.
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History
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Over 400 years ago the Hottentots, a South African Native Tribe, recognized
Buchu’s healing properties. In 1847 Henry T.
Helmhold introduced Buchu for urinary problems, kidney stones, and STD’s. South African’s used
it for urinary problems long before they had contact with the Europeans. In the
17th Century the Dutch used it to treat urinary infections, kidney stones,
cholera, and general muscle aches. Later English
settlers used it to treat basically the same conditions.
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Additional Information
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1. Buchu is found in two over the counter diuretics (Fluidex and Odrinil)
marketed to relieve the bloating of PMS.
2. Most modern herbalist’s continue to recommend Buchu for urinary tract
infections.
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Cautions
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1. When taking Buchu increase consumption of foods high in
potassium.
2. If you have kidney problems do not use for kidney
infection.
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Magick Information
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Gender:
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Feminine
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Planet:
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Moon
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Element:
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Water
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Deity:
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None
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Powers:
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Prophetic Dreams, Psychic Powers.
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Magickal Uses:
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Take Buchu as an infusion drink to enable you to foretell the
future. To produce prophetic dreams, mix with frankincense and burn a small
amount.
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