Buchu is a widespread South African Herb which grows in the Cape Provience. Before 400 years the Hottentots African tribe call the plant Bookoo or Boku and use it to perfume their bodies. It is a beneficial evergreen shrub from Rutaceae family which grows up to one meter high. Two varieties of Buchu can be found which have more or less similar therapeutic qualities and composition of essential oil. The first one is known as Round Leaf Buchu which is also known as Barosma Betulina or Agothosma Betulina and the second one is Oval Leaf Buchu or True Buchu which is also called Barosma Crenulata or Agothosma Crenulata.
The Oil is extracted by the process of steam distillation. The essential oil extracted from True Buchu consists of higher amount of pulegone content compared to Round Leaf Buchu. Usually the oil is dark yellow to brown colored and has a powerful black currant and minty odor. The oil which is obtained from both varieties of Buchu is poisonous in nature so we must be very cautious while using the oil for external or internal purposes. Besides these varieties there are few other varieties available in South Africa which is not utilized for medical purposes. Because of its dominant aroma it is usually used as an insect repellent.
Health benefits of Buchu Essential Oil
The Leaves of this immortal herb have been providing prompt natural pain relief for hundreds of years. Let us have a close look at the therapeutic properties of this herb which is discussed below separately:
1. Antiseptic
As we all know that wounds must be handled on time with a proper antiseptic otherwise it may be likely to get infected with microbes like bacteria, fungi etc. So to protect the wounds from becoming septic or tetanus it is best to use Buchu Essential Oil. Similarly this oil can also be used as an antiseptic for the urinary system (urinary tracts, urinary bladder and the urethra), as well as for infections in the kidneys, colon, prostate. To cure these health problems consume Buchu essential oil three times per day for at minimum 3 weeks to totally eradicate infection through your body.
It is recommended to dilute Buchu essential oil along with other pure vegetable oil in equivalent proportion just before appliance towards wounds or cuts to avoid the development of harmful bacteria on or around the wounds.
2. Anti-Rheumatic & Anti-Arthritic
By purifying the body through the exclusion of toxins (uric acid) from the body, this essential oil works well in giving respite from rheumatism and arthritis since it has diuretic properties.
3. Carminative
Exclusion of gases through the stomach and the intestines, gives a feeling of huge pleasure, lightness, relief and relaxation from heaviness in the chest and the belly region, loss of appetite, headache, nausea, chest pain, indigestion, vomiting, flatulence, stomachache, and drowsy feelings. This particular essential oil can help to get rid of all these problems.
4. Digestive
Indigestion which is caused by the bacterial as well as microbial actions can be healed with the usage of this essential oil and aid in proper digestion. Usually it motivates the emission of digestive juice and accelerates digestion.
5. Diuretic
Undesirable elements like uric acid, excess water, excess salts and fat are removed from the body by increasing urination, both quantity as well as frequency with the help of Buchu Essential Oil. It also helps to keep the urinary tracts as well as kidneys clean and free from any kinds of infection.
6. Insecticide
Being poisonous in nature, Buchu Essential Oil helps to kill insects and acts as an insect repellent. Parasites and other insects such as flies, lice, mosquitoes, bed-bugs and fleas will ward off whenever we apply this essential oil.
7. Good for Massage
People who experience joint inflammations make use of Buchu essential oil to massage body Since roman times. But it is important to discuss nature pathist just prior mixing Buchu oil with almost any other massage oil.
Affected joints must be massaged a number of times a day for a minimum of four weeks to get free of severe pain, burning feeling as well as itching.
8. Anti-inflammatory
For eradicating inflammation of stomach and respiratory tract it is recommended to use Buchu essential oil regularly. Similarly it is also recommended to consume Buchu essential oil for at minimum ten to fifteen days to achieve complete respite to the people who have health problems such as nausea, constipation, body ache, hunger loss, unremitting vomits, and rheumatism
9. Promotes Weight Loss
For all those people who are trying to lose weight it is suggested to consume Buchu essential oil a number of times a day for at minimum three to four months to progressively surge the rate of metabolism in body. To burn excess fat and glucose stored in body better metabolism is essential. Apart from consuming Buchu essential oil you need to do regular exercise to boost the sweeting process.
10. Natural Sunscreen
Skin is one of the most important part of the body so many scientific research had point out towards benefits of Buchu essential oil on skin health. Making use of Buchu oil just before going out in sun averts skin from detrimental UV rays.
Other Benefits
Besides above pointed out health benefits this essential oil can also be used to deal with bladder ailments, cystitis and excess cellulite. It is one of the effective detoxifier as well. It is reported to be capable of blocking ultraviolet rays of the Sun. Lastly to get relief from sprains as well as further agonizing inflamed parts of the body you can make use of Buchu essential oil.