Evidence supporting the use of: Short Buchu
For the health condition: Kidney Infection

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Short Buchu (Agathosma betulina or Agathosma crenulata), commonly referred to as "buchu," has a long history of traditional use in South African folk medicine, primarily for urinary tract ailments, including kidney infections (pyelonephritis). Indigenous Khoisan people and, later, colonial settlers used buchu leaves as a diuretic and urinary antiseptic, often preparing teas or tinctures to alleviate symptoms of urinary discomfort, bladder inflammation, and kidney-related issues. The historical use is well-documented in ethnobotanical literature and was adopted into Western herbal medicine during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

However, despite its widespread traditional use, there is a lack of robust scientific validation supporting buchu for treating kidney infections. While preclinical studies have demonstrated some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of buchu extracts, these findings are preliminary and have not been substantiated by clinical trials in humans for kidney infections specifically. No high-quality randomized controlled trials exist to confirm its efficacy or safety for this indication. Furthermore, kidney infections are potentially serious conditions that usually require prompt antibiotic therapy, and relying solely on traditional remedies like buchu could delay effective treatment.

In summary, the use of short buchu for kidney infections is justified primarily by tradition, with limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. Its use should be approached with caution and not as a replacement for evidence-based medical care.

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