Staff writer
BUCHU originates from the Cape Floral Kingdom, a World Heritage site in the Western Cape Mountains of South Africa, and is the world’s first natural anti-inflammatory.
Prior to the invention of modern medicine, world pioneers looked towards natural remedies to aid the sick of their ailments. Buchu was used to treat a number of conditions such as headaches, stomach disorders and the common cold.
In 1970, oil from the Buchu plant was extracted via a high vacuum, low steam process, launching it into a whole new era. Today Buchu oil is extracted in a patented process that is 100% natural and organic, and is used by Cape Kingdom Nutraceuticals in the manufacture of BuchuLife products.
The scientifically formulated Buchu Oil contains a number of potent anti-oxidant such as quercetin, rutin, hesperidin, bioflavanoids, diosphenol and vitamins A, B and E.
The active ingredient in all BuchuLife products is of course Buchu, which is proven to offer relief for a variety of conditions. Its three main uses are as an anti-inflammatory, an antiseptic and the treatment of hypertension, however it can also be used to manage Eczema and combat aging.
Studies have shown that Buchu extracts are able to switch off the genes which lead to the release of inflammatory factors from the cells involved in the creation of inflammation.
Buchu has also been shown to prevent the onset of inflammation, by stopping the process of cells involved in the acute phase of inflammation, called neutrophils, from leaving the the blood circulation in order to migrate into the tissues when a trigger is released by the injured tissues.
The herb also prevents swelling and pain and aids in the quick and effective recovery from arthritis.
What sets Buchu apart from other anti-inflammatory medications is that the allopathic drugs do not address the problem at its origin they merely alleviate the pain.
Buchu also has anti-infective properties and no side effects, making it useful to treat Urinary Tract infections (UTI) in a natural way.
It has been found that Buchu is able to kill most pathogens associated with UTI’s common in women and because the bacteria itself is killed, this also prevents a relapse.
Anectodal evidence suggests that Buchu can also treat Eczema successfully.
For Eczema sufferers, Buchu has a duel effect, preventing inflammation and performing an anti infective action.
The herb can curb any further inflammation while preventing infection.
Unlike cortisone creams, Buchu oil has potent anti-inflammatory, anti bacterial, antiseptic and anti-fungal properties.
Buchu also provides a natural and potent solution to ageing and the use of the herb can be combined with other natural supplements like Vitamin E, known to prevent DNA damage and help repair damaged tissue.