Buchu essential oil has many health benefits which can be attributed to its properties as tonic, insecticide, diuretic, digestive, carminative, anti – arthritic, anti – rheumatic and antiseptic substance. This herb is native to South Africa. There are 2 varieties of Buchu, both of which have more or less the same medicinal properties and the composition of their essential oils. The first variety of Buchu is called Round Leaf Buchu. It has the botanical name Barosma Betulina or Agothosma Betulina. The main components of this essential oil which are obtained from this variety are trans mercaptone, para diosphenol, pulegone, menthone, limonene, iso pulegone, iso menthone, diosphenol and cis mercaptone. The second variety of Buchu is called Oval Leaf Buchu or True Buchu. It has the botanical name Barosma Crenulata or Agothosma Crenulata. The main components of this essential oil are trans acetylthiol, trans mercaptone, para diosphenol, pulegone, menthone, limonene, isoo pulegone, iso menthone, diosphenol, cis mercaptone and acetylthiol. Also there are other varieties of Buchu which are available in the South Africa but they are not used for medicinal purposes. The essential oils which are obtained from the mentioned varieties of Buchu are toxic in nature and this is a reason why they are generally used in aromatherapy. Also you should take a great deal of care when you are using these essential oils for external or internal purposes. Both varieties of these essential oils are extracted through steam distillation of dried leaves. This essential oil is toxic and this is a reason why it should be used only in mild doses. You should never use it during your pregnancy. Buchu essential oil blends well with Ylang – Ylang, sandalwood, rosewood, patchouli, palmarosa, orange, neroli, lemon, lavender, jasmine, ginger, frankincense and cedar wood essential oils. It can be used to treat bladder ailments, excess cellulite and cystitis.
Health benefits of buchu essential oil
Insecticide: Buchu essential oil is toxic in nature which means that it can kill insects and also it acts as insecticide. This essential oil can be effectively applied to keep away parasites and other insects such as bed – bugs, lice, fleas, mosquitoes and flies.
Diuretic: Buchu essential oil can promote the removal of unwanted substances such as excess water, excess salts, fat and uric acid by increasing the urination both in quantity and frequency. This can help to keep the kidneys and urinary tracts clean and free from infections.
Digestive: This essential oil can aid in digestion by fighting indigestion which is caused by bacteria or microbial action. Also it can stimulate the secretion of digestive juices into the stomach and it can facilitate digestion.
buchu essential oil uses and benefits
Carminative: Buchu essential oil can help to remove the gases from the intestines and stomach and also it can give you a lightness, relaxation, pleasure and relief from the heaviness in your abdominal region and chest, rheumatism, chest pain, flatulence, stomachache, headache, vomiting, indigestion, drowsy feelings, nausea and loss of appetite.
Tonic: Despite being toxic in nature, buchu essential oil acts as an overall health tonic by providing you protection from the infections and also it can regularize the rate of metabolism.
Anti – rheumatic and anti – arthritic: Buchu essential oil can give you a relief from the arthritis and rheumatism by detoxifying your body through the removal of toxins, uric acid, from your body because it possesses diuretic properties.
Antiseptic: You should always treat your wounds with antiseptic because if you delay their treatment, then it can make them prone to infections from microbes (fungi, bacteria etc.). This essential oil is a good choice to protect your wounds from catching tetanus or becoming septic. The buchu essential oil acts as antiseptic for your urinary system (urethra, urinary tracts and urinary bladder), as well as for infections in the kidneys, prostate and colon.
