Buchu Water - A Natural Wonder

Buchu Water, a natural wonder

by Jane Mayne

The medicinal properties of the South African buchu plant have come within easy reach of the general public with the introduction of Buchu Water by Waterfall Health Farms. The farm in Paarl has been harvesting the indigenous mountain herb for 30 years, using it as an essential oil as well as a dry leaf for the use in the flavor and pharmaceutical industries worldwide.

The buchu herb was used as a panacea by indigenous people and was greatly prized by the 16^th-century settlers to promote good health and longevity.

The plant is found on the slopes of the south-western and Northern Cape Mountains.

As interest in alternative preventative medicine has increased, Waterfall Farms has extended the use of buchu by distilling its essential oils with pure mountain-spring water. The oil extraction process involves using water in a low-vacuum, high-distillation process which Waterfall Farms claims produces 100% natural spring distilled buchu herbal water.

Far from a thirst quenching drink, the slightly bitter beverage can be taken as a health potion for a range of ailments. Buchu is also known to be a tonic for kidney and liver disorders, arthritis, rheumatism, cystitis and prostatitis, high blood pressure, coughs and colds, gout, water retention and as a cure for hangover. Due to its natural diuretic and liver-flushing abilities, it is also said to help with weight-loss.

Once one has adjusted to its unusual flavor, the natural water can be used as a general tonic as it contains essential vitamins and minerals that are thought to stimulate the circulation.

Health-conscious consumers have increased the demand for Buchu Water. Both look-good model agencies and the ill and infirm now use this natural South African wonder.

The water should not be used by women who are pregnant or lactating or by anyone suffering from low blood pressure.

Buchu Water is now available at selected stockists In Cape Town: Constantia Wholefood Co-op, Diep Rivier Pharmacy, For Goodness Sake, Fruit and Veg City, Natural Remedies and The Natural Route. Stellenbosch: Oom Samie se Winkel, Nature’s Way. Somerset West: Country Living. Fraschhoek: Franschhoek Vineyards.

Cape Times Lifestyle Magazine, South Africa, May 1999, Readership 225,000