Agathosma birch – A small shrub with wrinkled leaves and white flowers. The whole plant has a strong smell, similar to the aroma of blackcurrant. Also called: Buchu
Description:
This plant has red opposite branches, covered with opposite or alternate elliptical, leathery, shiny leaves with a serrated edge and a pleasant smell; The flowers are white, consisting of five petals, the fruit is a multi-leaf. It grows in South Africa, it is also cultivated there. The leaves of this plant are exported from Africa to Holland, America and England.
Contains active substances:
Diosphenol (25-40%), limonene, menthon, resinous and bitter substances.
Medical use:
An infusion is prepared from the leaves of this plant, which is used as a diuretic for infectious diseases of the urinary tract, cystitis, urethritis and prostatitis. The leaves are also a good antiseptic and repel insects. The plant is also used in homeopathy. Some other species of this plant genus are used similarly.