Buchu is a plant from South Africa, and its leaves are used to make medicine. Buchu has been traditionally used to treat a wide range of ailments, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), stomach complaints, and kidney problems. Buchu is used for the following purposes:

• Urinary tract infections: Buchu is used to treat UTIs, including infections involving the urethra (urethritis) and kidneys (pyelonephritis) .

• Inflammation: Buchu was traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties. The plant was commonly used to treat a range of inflammatory conditions, including headaches, fever, and rheumatism. Buchu is also used today to relieve pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

• Diuretic: Buchu is used as a diuretic to increase urine flow and to disinfect the urinary tract during infections of the bladder (cystitis) and urethra.

• Stomach complaints: Buchu is used to treat upset stomach, stomach ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) .

• Other uses: Buchu is used for high blood pressure, fever, cough, common cold, gout, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) . Buchu is also applied to the skin as an insect repellent, as a deodorant, and for skin infections.

It is important to note that taking buchu might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium, which could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Therefore, it is recommended to talk with a healthcare provider before using buchu if taking lithium. Additionally, buchu might slow blood clotting, so taking buchu along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.