Buchu Essential OilBotanical Nomenclature: Agathosma betulina, A. crenulata Modern European herbalism has also "discovered" buchu. Today, a number of herbal preparations containing this herb are available in various European countries. Here in the U.S., buchu is used sparingly as a food flavoring.
Characteristics of Buchu OilBuchu oil is an essential oil often described with seemingly contradictory terms. Salvatore Battagglia describes buchu oil as "bitter-sweet" and "minty-champhorous". Often, the faint minty scent is described as similar to that of the more familiar pennyroyal.Psychological AromatherapyBuchu is an essential oil rarely used in aromatherapy and almost never in "casual" aromatherapy. In preparing this article, we could find no popular aromatherapy texts recommending the diffusion of buchu into a room.Traditional Uses for BuchuThe first recorded use of buchu goes back to 1653 but its use in African folk medicine undoubtedly goes back much farther. The South African National Biodiversity Institute tells us that various buchu preparations have been used to treat colds, fevers, swellings and kidney and urinary tract infections. Topically, infusions of buchu are used to wash wounds, relieve swelling and ease the pain of bruises and sprains.Serious Medical Studies on Buchu OilAlthough buchu has been the focus of several studies, those studies have focused mainly on the use of herbal preparations and not specifically on the use of the essential oil.Only one major study, a 2001 study from the UK, has looked at the potential medical benefits of buchu oil. Researchers found that at very high "doses", buchu essential oil demonstrated spasmogenic actions. This study also looked at the potential antimicrobial actions of buchu oil and found only low antibacterial activity against E. coli and other common pathogens.
Safety IssuesLike most other essential oils, buchu has not been extensively studied for either safety or effectiveness. Chemically, it is somewhat similar to pennyroyal--especially in respect to its pulegone content--so it is assumed that its toxicity potential would be similar.Most aromatherapy texts, assuming they mention buchu at all, contraindicate the use of buchu during pregnancy and lactation.
References: Battaglia, S. (2005). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. South African National Biodiversity Institute. (2004). Agathosma Betulina. Retrieved from www.plantzafrica.com on March 4, 2008. Lis-Balchin, M., et al. (2001). Buchu (Agathosma betulina and A. crenulata, Rutaceae) essential oils: their pharmacological action on guinea-pig ileum and antimicrobial activity on microorganisms. Leave Buchu Essential Oil & return to Hazardous Oils page.
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