10 Health Benefits Of Buchu
Buchu is a herbal plant of South African origin. There are several verities of buchu. The more popular ones are round leaf buchu and oval leaf buchu. Both have the same medicinal properties. Buchu is toxic and therefore not very useful for aromatherapy. Buchu is known for many medicinal properties like antiseptic, anti-rheumatic, anti-arthritic, carminative, digestive, diuretic and other properties.
It is a good source of vitamin A, B, C and E and some minerals and flavonoids which have diseases preventing qualities. Buchu derives its health benefits from these properties. Some health benefits offered by buchu are.
#1. Wound Healing
In the early days, leaves of buchu were chewed to help cure wounds because of its antiseptic properties. Now essential oils extracted from buchu are used to treat wounds. These essential oils help to close the wounds faster and speed up the healing process.
#2. Menstrual Cramps
Buchu has antibacterial, antifungal and antispasmodic properties. All these properties of Buchu help in providing relief from premenstrual cramps and pain. It can be consumed as the tea, or the essential oil extract of buchu can be used for getting relief.
#3. Insecticide
Buchu is toxic. It can, therefore, be used as an effective insecticide to protect you from various insects. Application of essential oil extracted from buchu kills insects and keeps mosquitoes, bedbugs, fleas, and lice at bay.
#4. Detoxification
Buchu is a diuretic. It, therefore, helps in flushing of toxins like uric acid, excess salt and other unwanted substances from the body by increasing both the frequency and quantity of urination. This in effect will help to keep the urinary tract and kidneys clean and free from toxins and possible infections caused by these toxins.
#5. Digestion
Buchu has antimicrobial and antibacterial qualities. It, therefore, helps to fight indigestion caused by the bacterial and microbial action. It also helps in stimulating the secretion of digestive juices in the stomach which helps in the digestive process.
#6. Flatulence
Buchu has carminative properties. It, therefore, helps to remove gases from the stomach and intestines. This not only provides relief from flatulence and bloating but also gives a feeling of relaxation, lightness, and relief of heaviness from the chest and abdominal region.
#7. Rheumatism
The essential oil from buchu is effective in relieving rheumatic pain. Because of its diuretic property, it is effective in removing toxins from the system. Uric acid a toxin contributes to rheumatic pain. The anti-inflammatory property of buchu also helps in providing relief from rheumatic pain.
#8. Immune Booster
Buchu is a good source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant known for its immune boosting qualities. Buchu is also a good source of flavonoids which help in fighting diseases causing infection and help in protecting against various diseases including a cold cough and flu.
#9. Weight Management
Buchu aids proper digestion and prevents constipation. The diuretic property of buchu helps promote urination and to flush the system of toxins. All these qualities of buchu help in weight management. Buchu has been approved by the American Food and Drug Administration as a natural weight management supplement.
#10. Strain Relief
Buchu can either be used as a poultice on the sprained part of the body, or its essential oil can be applied to the sprained portion to obtain relief. The anti-inflammatory properties of buchu help in assisting sprain and pain.
