Buccal bush

Originally native to South Africa in the mountains of the Western Cape Province, the bucco shrub has also been cultivated in Europe since 1821. Barosma betulina (barosma from - barys = heavy and - osme = fragrance) is a shrub that reaches a height of up to 2 meters. The purple-red or orange-red twigs bear light green, leathery, egg-shaped, 0.9-2.0 cm long, serrated leaves. Bucco betulina produces white cup-shaped flowers. The flowering period is May to July. The developing fruits consist of yellow-brown capsules with a bean-shaped black seed. In Europe, bucco is used to treat gout. The extracts are also used for perfuming.

The leaves of the shrub, Foliae bucco, are used phytotherapeutically.

Essential oil (1,5 - 2,5 %) with pulegon, menthon, diosphenol, furthermore: flavonylglycosides (diosmin, rutin), mucilages

Suitable for the treatment of cystitis and urethritis (Chughtai B et al. 2013), especially if there is an additional vaginal candida infection. Infusion also suitable for vaginal irrigation in case of discharge.

Diosphenol is the active ingredient and has a strong antiseptic effect. Disophenol is excreted renally.

Contraindication: Pregnancy (Pulegon = abortifacient)

1. Chughtai B et al. (2013) Use of herbal supplements for overactive bladder. Rev Urol 15:93-96.
2. Blaschek W (2015) Wichtl-Teedrogens and phytopharmaceuticals. A handbook for practice. Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Munich. S 118-120