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Limited evidenceGeneral health

Buchu

A South African leaf long used for urinary complaints. Reviews of it find essentially no clinical trials, and one of them says so in the title.

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What the science says

  • Urinary tract use Limited evidence

    A review asking whether buchu is rightfully forgotten or underutilised concluded that its traditional reputation for urinary tract complaints is supported by essential oil chemistry and scattered in-vitro antimicrobial work, but not by clinical trials. An earlier ethnopharmacological review of Agathosma betulina and A. crenulata reached the same conclusion.

  • Species and quality are a real problem Limited evidence

    The two commercial species differ markedly in composition, with A. crenulata containing much more pulegone, and reviews note frequent substitution and inconsistent oil profiles between products. What is in the bottle is not reliably what the label says.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseNo trial-based dose exists. Traditional use is 1–2 g of dried leaf as an infusion up to three times daily; the essential oil is not intended for internal use in the amounts sometimes suggested online.
SafetyBuchu oil contains pulegone, the hepatotoxic and abortifacient constituent also found in pennyroyal, with much higher levels in A. crenulata. Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, liver disease and kidney disease, and do not take concentrated oil internally. A urinary tract infection requires proper diagnosis and antibiotics.

How to take it

TimingTraditionally up to three times a day, in short courses rather than continuously.
With food?Take with food; it is strongly aromatic and can irritate an empty stomach.
Worth knowingCheck the species: Agathosma crenulata is far higher in pulegone, the liver-toxic constituent also found in pennyroyal, than A. betulina, and never take the essential oil internally.

Interactions

With medications

  • diuretics

    Additive fluid and electrolyte loss. talk to your doctor before combining

  • lithium

    Increased urine output can reduce lithium clearance and raise blood levels. do not combine without lithium level monitoring

With other supplements

  • other diuretic herbs

    Additive fluid loss with no added benefit. use one at a time

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Does buchu work for urinary tract infections?

There are essentially no clinical trials of buchu; its urinary reputation rests on essential-oil chemistry and scattered in-vitro antimicrobial work, so the evidence is limited. A urinary tract infection needs proper diagnosis and antibiotics.

Is buchu safe?

Buchu oil contains pulegone, the liver-toxic and abortifacient constituent also found in pennyroyal. Avoid buchu in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and liver or kidney disease, and never take the essential oil internally.

What is the difference between buchu species?

Agathosma crenulata contains much more pulegone than Agathosma betulina, and products are often substituted, so what is in a buchu bottle is not reliably what the label says. Check the species before buying.

Scientific references

Related in General health

Herbal medicines: what the evidence says (335)