BOTANICAL NAME Agothosma betulina

The Buchu is a small shrub with simple wrinkled leaves about 1-2 cms long. Leaves are dried and then steam distilled.

SCENT: The whole plant has a strong, aromatic, blackcurrant-like odour but the oil is redolent of mint / camphor and is strong.

STRENGTH OF AROMA: Strong

PLANT PART:Dried not fresh Leaves

EXTRACTION METHOD: Steam distilled

ORIGIN: South Africa

COLOUR: Golden Brown

CONSISTENCY: Medium

NOTE: Medium

REPORTED ATTRIBUTES:

Traditional and Emotional uses reportedly include:- The oil is used as an antiseptic and an insecticide.

BLENDS WELL WITH

Cedarwood, Frankincense, Ginger, Jasmine Lavender, Lemon, Neroli, Orange, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Ylang-Ylang.

HISTORY:

Native to South Africa, where it is used as a popular flavouring agent to impart a peppermint-like flavour to brandies and wines, it was first used by the Hottentot tribe and it became popular and in wide use throughout Europe and Africa where the dried leaves of Buchu have long been used as a folk remedy for the treatment of almost every known affliction.

CAUTIONS:

Buchu contains 'barosma champhor' and other volatile oils which account for its mild diuretic and antiseptic activity. Buchu as a herb is considered to be an extremely safe herb and there are no reported toxic effects. If using for treatment of a urinary tract infection, the only caution would be to have a proper diagnosis of the ailment, since Buchu is completely ineffective in treating sexually transmitted diseases, for which it was once widely thought to be a remedy.

As with all essential oils, they should not be used during pregnancy and never ingested (taken internally) and should be kept away from children and pets. No medicinal claims are made for this product and the notes above are provided for guidance purposes only. Essential Oils are powerful plant extracts and should be used with extreme caution. You should seek the advice of a qualified practitioner should you be in any doubt.