Buchu is a small evergreen shrub; its oil is extracted from the dried leaves by steam distillation of this tree, which belongs to the Rutaceae family.
The oil is dark yellow to brown in colour and has a strong blackcurrant and minty odour.
Just by hearing the name of this oil, you can know where its from, native to Southern Africa buchu oil have antiseptic, carminative, antioxidants, diuretic, insecticide and tonic therapeutic properties prized for its fragrance and medicinal benefits and is also used as an insect repellant because of its powerful scent.
This lovely shrub is in fact the world’s first natural anti-inflammatory; the leaves of this fantastic herb have been offering instant natural pain relief for centuries.
During the 1970s Buchu history entered a new era when Edward Godfrey pioneered oil extraction from the Buchu plant, using a high vacuum, low steam process.
In so doing, he produced Buchu oil and does the FDA regard one of the much oil as safe.
Buchu oil can be found in two varieties namely Round Leaf Buchu and Oval Leaf Buchu or True Buchu.
Buchu oil aids in digestion by fighting indigestion that is caused by microbial or bacterial action.
Buchu oil helps to remove gas from the stomach and the intestines, and as such gives the body a feeling of relaxation, lightness, and relief from heaviness in the chest and the abdominal region, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headache, stomachache, flatulence, chest pain, and rheumatism.
Buchu oil can be applied to keep away parasites and other insects such as flies, mosquitoes, fleas, lice, and bed-bugs to areas where they breed.
This oil helps incontinence associated with prostate problems; it aids in the elimination of calculas debris, mucus, and uric acid from the kidneys and strengthens the urinary system.
Buchu helps to normalize blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
Buchu oil can be used for bruises and sprains when mixed with lotion.
Necessary precautions must be taken when using Buchu oil, as it is toxic in nature and should be used only in mild doses.
It should never be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding.