Buchu Essential Oil
Agathosma betulina (previously Barosma betulina) is a flowering plant in the family Rutaceae, native to the lower elevation mountains of western South Africa, where it occurs near streams. It is an evergreen shrub growing to 2 m tall. The leaves are opposite, rounded, about 20 mm long and broad. The flowers are white or pale pink, with five petals; the fruit is a five-parted capsule which splits open to release the seeds. It is known by the common name round leaf buchu and has historically been used as a flavoring agent and an herbal remedy. Wild plants of this species are still plentiful but are being harvested faster than they can reproduce. The threat of their becoming scarce has led to efforts to cultivate them. The essential oils and extracts of the leaves are used as flavouring for teas, candy, and a liquor known as buchu brandy in South Africa. The extract is said to taste like blackcurrant. It has historically been used as a medicine for urinary tract disorders and wounds.
| Botanical Name: | Agathosma betulina (Berg.) Pillans |
| Family: | Rutaceae |
| Synonyms: | Barosma betulina, Hartogia betulin, short buchu, mountain buchu, round leaf buchu, bucco, bookoo, bucku, round buchu, short buchu. |
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| Parts Used: | Fresh flowering tops of the shrubs
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| Extraction Method: | Steam Distillation
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| Appearance: | Clear, colourless or slightly yellow, mobile liquid
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| Aroma Description: | Minty, camphorous, sweet berry |
| Perfume note: | |
| Consistancy: | Thin |
| Strength of Initial Aroma: | |
| Blends well with: | |
| Historical Uses: | Traditional use as an antiseptic and insecticide |
| Modern Uses: | Current in the Pharmacopoeias, buchu is categorised as a urinary tract antiseptic and diuretic used in fruity flavours (cassis, peach, blueberry, tropical fruits) with fresh top note; in herbaceous note fragrance compounds for alcoholic and cosmetic perfumery |
| Cautions: | Not to be used during pregnancy |
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