Herbs & Supplements

Barosma betulina Scientific Name: Buchu Other Names: Agathosma betulina, Bucco, Buku, Diosma Who is this for? Uses Buchu is reported to have slight diuretic properties, meaning it may cause the body to produce more urine than usual. A number of buchu's components, which include diosphenol (also known as buchu camphor) and additional chemicals that belong to the flavonoid class of drugs, are believed to irritate the bladder, causing the release of urine. Diosphenol may also be a mild anti-infective agent. Both of these possible effects made buchu popular during the early part of the 20th century as a remedy for bladder, kidney, and prostate conditions. Now, however, the use of buchu mainly has been displaced by more effective prescription drugs. It is still often included in herbal combination products; although probably more for its pleasant, fruity taste than for any possible medicinal effects. When should I be careful taking it? >>

Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.

In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.

This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.