bu·chu   Audio pronunciation of "buchu" ( P )  Pronunciation Key  (bk, byky)
n.
Any of various southern African shrubs of the genus Agathosma, especially A. betulina and A. crenulata, whose leaves are used as a mild diuretic and also yield an aromatic oil used for flavoring.
[Afrikaans boegoe, probably from Zulu bucu, perhaps ultimately of Khoikhoin origin.]
 
Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
 

buchu

\Bu"chu\, n. (Bot.) A South African shrub (Barosma) with small leaves that are dotted with oil glands

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Buchu may cause gastrointestinal irritation and should only be taken with meals. Also, it should not be used by pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Are there any drug interactions? Certain medications may interact with buchu. Refer to the drug interactions safety check for a list of those medications.

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Precautions

Buchu should not be self-prescribed by people who have kidney infections, pain during urination, blood in the urine, or any problems with kidney function. Bladder and kidney infections need prompt attention by a medical doctor. Herbalists often recommend that buchu should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding women. The volatile oil of buchu contains the compound pulegone that stimulates the uterus to contract and is potentially toxic to the kidneys and liver in excess or over prolonged doses.

 

Side effects

Due to its diosmin and essential oils (diosphenol and pulegone) buchu is a potential kidney and liver irritant in high or prolonged doses. It could also increase the risk of a miscarriage in pregnant women.

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