Buchu

Botanical

What is it

Buchu (Agathosma betulina or Barosma betulina) is an aromatic shrub native to South Africa. Its leaves are traditionally used as a diuretic and for urinary tract complaints.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Urinary tract support (traditional use)

Mixed Evidence

Long traditional use, but rigorous clinical evidence is minimal.

How it works

Buchu leaves contain essential oils (diosphenol, isomenthone, pulegone), flavonoids (diosmin, hesperidin), and mucilages. The essential oils are thought to have mild antiseptic and diuretic activity, and the flavonoids contribute anti-inflammatory effects. Traditional use includes UTI symptom relief, kidney support, and as a digestive bitter. Modern clinical evidence is very limited; most knowledge comes from traditional use and laboratory studies. Pulegone content is a safety concern in high or prolonged dosing.

Dosage

No established RDA. Traditional doses are 1-2 g of dried leaves as a tea two to three times daily, or 1-2 ml of tincture. Avoid prolonged high-dose use due to pulegone.

When and how to take it

WHEN: 2-3 times daily during acute use; not for long-term continuous use. HOW: Brew dried leaves as tea, or take tincture with water. Hydrate well due to diuretic effect.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Dried leaf / tea

Traditional preparation.

Essential oils and flavonoids extracted by hot water.

Tincture / extract

Often used in commercial herbal products.

Alcohol-based extraction concentrates essential oils.

Safety

Short-term use at traditional doses is generally tolerated. Pulegone (also found in pennyroyal) is hepatotoxic at high doses. Common side effects include GI upset and potential allergic reactions.

Who should be cautious

Avoid during pregnancy (pulegone is uterotonic and abortifacient) and breastfeeding. Avoid in liver and kidney disease. Use with caution if taking diuretics or lithium.

Interactions

May enhance effects of diuretics. Possible interaction with anticoagulants due to diosmin and related flavonoids.

Frequently asked questions

Can buchu treat a UTI?⌄

Buchu has traditional use for urinary symptoms but is not a substitute for medical evaluation and treatment of a confirmed UTI. See a clinician for diagnosis.

References

Buchu on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Buchu on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Buchu (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Buchu with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.