This indigenous shrub grows in fynbos habitats near streams on the lower slopes of the Western Cape mountains. It has rounded green leaves with visible oil glands along the edges, a distinctly reddish stem and beautiful white star-shaped flowers.
BUCHU Essential Oil
Latin Name: Agathosma Betulina
Family: Rutaceae
Common Indigenous Names: Round-leaf Buchu (English), Buchu (Khoi), iBuchu (Xhosa), Boegoe (Afrikaans)
Uses: It is one of the most popular local remedies, known as a tonic for physical wellbeing. Traditionally the leaves are steeped in a brandy tincture called ‘Boegoe-brandewyn’ for stomach ailments and for hangovers. Commonly used to stimulate urinary function, for kidney and urinary tract discomfort, symptomatic relief from gout and rheumatism and as an external application to wounds and bruises.
Quirky Indigenous Uses:
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Elixir of youth
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Anti-ageing
Extraction: Steam-distilled
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