Buchu (Honey Buchu, Short-Leaved Mountain Buchu)

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Barosma betulina
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Leaves
Chemicals this herb contains:
Diasmin
Hesperidin
I-enthone
Mucilage (See Glossary)
Resin (See Glossary)
Volatile oils (See Glossary)

KNOWN EFFECTS

Helps body dispose of excess fluid by increasing amount of urine produced. Works as a urinary antiseptic. Aids in expelling gas from intestinal tract.

Miscellaneous information:
Has peppermint-like odor. This herb is no longer used by medical profession.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Treats kidney stones. Treats chronic prostatitis. Treats bladder irritation. Treats urethral irritation. Stimulates central nervous system. Is used as a diuretic. Increases perspiration.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future. Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
None expected if you are under 45, not pregnant, basically healthy, take it for only a short time and do not exceed small doses.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Rated relatively safe when taken in appropriate quantities for
short periods of time.
For symptoms of toxicity: See Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms section below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS