An Aromatic Herb from South Africa

Buchu leaf - (Agathosma betulina) is an aromatic evergreen shrub native to the mountainous regions of the Western Cape of South Africa. It can grow to be quite tall, up to 6 feet or more, with white or pale pink flowers, and small, deep green leaves. The leaves are the Buchu plant’s main claim to fame. They are covered with little oil glands that release an intoxicatingly strong, peppermint-like scent that increases when the leaves are dried.

The indigenous Khiosan people of South Africa used Buchu as a topical insect repellant and generally considered it a “cure for all ills” When Buchu was introduced to Dutch settlers in the area in the 18th century, they fell in love with it for the scent, flavor and a famously popular brandy tincture of Buchu leaf that seemed to magically “calm the nerves”. Before long, Buchu was a hit across Europe, used in all kinds of remedies and preparations including the brandy tincture that is still used today. Buchu gained such global popularity by the beginning of the 20th century, legend has it, that 8 bales of Buchu were found in the wreckage of the Titanic! Buchu leaf has a flavor reminiscent of black currant, with notes of peppermint or rosemary. Dried Buchu leaf can be tinctured, infused into vinegars, or steeped as a flavorful, aromatic tea.

For many centuries, people from all over the globe have found fresh herbs to be a gentle yet effective health-enhancing blessing. These are our own hand packed loose herbs, packaged in old world apothecary style, air tight brown paper canisters to keep light and moisture out, and freshness in. Use in teas, tinctures, and elixirs. Buchu is a small, green, woody plant found in western South Africa. The leaves have an incredibly pungent aroma that is similar to peppermint.