Pronunciation: [bˈʌt͡ʃuː] (IPA) 
The word "Buchu" is spelled with the phonetic transcription /ˈbuːkuː/, which is a vowel sound followed by a consonant sound and then a repeated vowel sound. The vowel sounds are the long "oo" sound and the short "uh" sound, while the consonant sound is a hard "k" sound. This spelling accurately represents the pronunciation of the word, which is a herb native to South Africa that is traditionally used for medicinal purposes.
Buchu is a noun that refers to a small, aromatic shrub, scientifically known as Agathosma betulina or Barosma betulina, native to South Africa. It belongs to the Rutaceae family and typically grows up to one meter in height. Buchu has been traditionally used by indigenous people for its medicinal properties and pleasant fragrance, especially by the Khoikhoi and San peoples.
The leaves of the Buchu shrub are the main part used for medicinal purposes. They are small, glossy, and have a distinct mint-like smell. The leaves contain various essential oils, including pulegone and diosphenol, that give it its characteristic fragrance. Buchu is known for its diuretic, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, and is commonly used to treat various urinary tract conditions, such as urinary infections and kidney problems.
The dried leaves of Buchu are often used in herbal medicine preparations, such as teas, tinctures, and capsules. In addition to its medicinal uses, Buchu is also utilized in the cosmetic industry for its fragrance and as an ingredient in perfumes, soaps, and lotions.
In conclusion, Buchu is a South African shrub that has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties and pleasant aroma. It is particularly valued for its diuretic and antiseptic attributes, mainly found in its leaves. Buchu's aromatic properties also make it suitable for use in fragrance and cosmetic products.
The dried leaves of Barosma betulina, order Rutaceae, a shrub growing in South Africa; carminative, diuretic, and urinary antiseptic; dose, 31-4 (4.0-15.0) in infusion. The fluidextract is official in U.S.; dose, 3 1/2-1 (2.0-4.0).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "buchu" has its etymology rooted in the Khoikhoi language, specifically from the Southern African indigenous Khoisan people. In their language, the plant known as "buchu" was referred to as "boegoe" or "buchu" which translates to "cough medicine". The Khoisan people recognized the medicinal properties of this plant, particularly its ability to alleviate respiratory ailments, and it became commonly known as buchu among European settlers in the region. The word eventually made its way into the English language as "buchu", referring to the plant and its medicinal uses. Today, buchu commonly refers to various plants belonging to the Agathosma genus, found in South Africa, and is widely used in traditional and herbal medicine.
