22. The B list : Herbs and Spices that Heal - BUCHU
Agathosma
Buchu - Cape Floral Kingdom
The miracle herb of South Africa!
Used for centuries by indigenous Khoisan
Cultivated in Africa and South America
 
Made its way into delicious and interesting culinary creations.
Grows widely in the Cape, South Africa.
Join Gulzaar Foods on the South African miracle herb, BUCHU Journey!

 

  

Appearance and Description

 

Agathosma betulina - Köhler–s Medizinal-Pflanzen-020.jpg

Buchu has been used as a folk remedy for ages. Currently, South Africa's miracle herb is marketed for many clinical applications as an anti-inflammatory.

  • An evergreen woody shrub that is perennial. 
  • Grows up to 6m and has reddish-brown stems.
  • The leaves have raised glands on the surface. These contain the medicinal oil.

There are three types of this protected plant:

  • Agathosma betulina (short buchu)
  • Agathosma  serratifolia (long buchu)
  • Agathosma crenulata (ovate buchu)
 All kinds of buchu are part of the Rutaceae family, which is the same family as citrus fruits.

     

     BUCHU Flavor

    • Initially exported to Britain as early as the eighteenth century.
    Buchu was it was known as 'noblest' because only those that were wealthy could afford it. 
    • Oil glands of the leaves release a strong aroma imparting a blackcurrant flavor to dishes.
       The Titanic had eight Buchu bales onboard!

      BUCHU Health Benefits

      Buchu in traditional medicine was used to treat many ailments ranging from flatulence to arthritis.

      Buchu products for the international and local market include:

      • Sparkling Herbal Water,
      • UTI Relief Capsules,
      • Joint Health Capsules
      • First Aid Gel
      • Moisturising Cream,
      • Organic Detox Tea 
      Buchu tea is recommended for healing bruises
      • Anti-infective
      • Anti-fungal
      • Antibacterial
      • Anti-inflammatory
      • Antioxidants
      • Antiseptic
      • Vitamins A, B, and E.  

       

       

        References

        1. Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911), "Buchu", Encyclopædia Britannica4 (11th ed.), Cambridge University Press, p. 720
        2. Simpson, D (December 1998). "Buchu--South Africa's amazing herbal remedy". Scottish medical journal43 (6): 189–91.
        3.  Watt, John Mitchell, Breyer-Brandwijk, Maria Gerdina: The Medicinal and Poisonous Plants of Southern and Eastern Africa 2nd ed Pub. E & S Livingstone 1962

         

         

         

         

         

        -

         

         

        Leave a comment