Herb & supplement monograph

Buchu Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Buchu interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Buchu is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Buchu is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

Check Buchu against your medication

Add one medication

✓ Supplement

Buchu

1 Your medication

Start typing any prescription or over-the-counter drug name.

Reviewed by licensed pharmacists Sourced from Natural Medicines

On this page

Buchu Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Buchu drug interaction appears low for most people, though a few combinations deserve real attention. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and nearly all rest on theory or lab findings rather than documented problems in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The best-supported concern involves lithium. Buchu is thought to act as a diuretic, which could slow how the body clears lithium and raise its levels, and lithium is a medicine with a narrow safety margin. We would also keep an eye on blood thinners such as warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin, since buchu may have mild antiplatelet effects that could theoretically add to bleeding risk. Finally, because buchu contains pulegone, a compound that can stress the liver, pairing it with medications known to affect the liver is worth extra caution, especially at high doses.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of interacting medications looks alarming, but it mostly reflects these few broad, theoretical concerns applied across hundreds of drugs. Most of these pairings have never been shown to cause harm in people, and the possible effects on bleeding and the liver come from what buchu might do, not from documented reactions.

Check your medications against Buchu

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Buchu interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Buchu

483 medications have a known interaction with Buchu, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Buchu using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Buchu interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Buchu combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Buchu affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Buchu is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 3 drug categories Buchu interacts with

Anticoagulant/antiplatelet DrugsHepatotoxic DrugsLithium

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Buchu may have antiplatelet effects. Theoretically, buchu may enhance the effects of anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs and increase the risk of bleeding in some patients. Some anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Hepatotoxic Drugs

Buchu contains pulegone, a known hepatotoxin. There is some concern that buchu may adversely affect the liver, especially when the leaf is used in large doses or the oil is ingested. Theoretically, concomitant use with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage. Some of these drugs include acarbose (Precose, Prandase), amiodarone (Cordarone), atorvastatin (Lipitor), azathioprine (Imuran), carbamazepine (Tegretol), cerivastatin (Baycol), diclofenac (Voltaren), felbamate (Felbatol), fenofibrate (Tricor), fluvastatin (Lescol), gemfibrozil (Lopid), isoniazid, itraconazole, (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), leflunomide (Arava), lovastatin (Mevacor), methotrexate (Rheumatrex), nevirapine (Viramune), niacin, nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin), pioglitazone (Actos), pravastatin (Pravachol), pyrazinamide, rifampin (Rifadin), ritonavir (Norvir), rosiglitazone (Avandia), simvastatin (Zocor), tacrine (Cognex), tamoxifen, terbinafine (Lamisil), valproic acid, and zileuton (Zyflo)

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Lithium

Buchu is thought to have diuretic properties. Theoretically, buchu might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D

Monograph

Buchu: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Buchu is a fragrant South African shrub whose leaves are traditionally used for urinary and bladder complaints and as a diuretic. Solid human studies are lacking, so its benefits are largely unproven, and it should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially if you have kidney or liver problems.

Scientific name: Agathosma betulina
Family: Rutaceae
Part used: Leaves and essential oil
Common forms: Tea, capsules, tincture, dried leaf, essential oil

People commonly use it for

Urinary tract complaints
Diuretic (increasing urine flow)
Bloating and fluid retention
Mild digestive upset
Antimicrobial/antiseptic use
Flavoring and fragrance

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Generally used in food amounts, but medicinal doses lack strong safety data and the essential oil may be irritating.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When used in medicinal amounts; buchu is reported to be an abortifacient.

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingPossibly Safe

When used in food amounts. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of using larger amounts; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Buchu is an evergreen shrub native to South Africa. It has small, fragrant leaves with a strong, distinctive smell that is often compared to mint or blackcurrant. The leaves are the part most often used.

For a long time, people in southern Africa have used buchu in traditional medicine, mainly for urinary and bladder problems and as a diuretic (something that increases urine). Today the leaves and the essential oil are also widely used as a flavoring and fragrance in foods, drinks, and personal care products.

Buchu is sold as a tea, dried leaf, tincture, capsule, and essential oil.

Uses & effectiveness

Buchu is most commonly used for urinary tract and bladder complaints, as a diuretic, and for bloating or fluid retention. Some people also use it for mild digestive upset and as an antiseptic or antimicrobial.

It is important to be honest about the evidence: good-quality human studies on buchu are very limited. Most of what we know comes from traditional use, laboratory tests, or animal research. These early findings cannot tell us whether buchu actually works for any health condition in people, or how much would be needed.

Because the evidence is weak, buchu should not replace proven treatments. If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection or other illness, see a healthcare provider rather than relying on buchu.

How it works

Buchu leaves contain an aromatic essential oil with compounds such as diosphenol, pulegone, and other plant chemicals, along with flavonoids like diosmin and rutin.

Researchers have suggested that some of these compounds may have mild diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. However, these proposed mechanisms come mostly from laboratory and animal studies, not from well-designed human trials. In short, the way buchu might work in the body is still not well understood.

Safety & precautions

When used in the small amounts found in foods and flavorings, buchu is generally considered acceptable. Larger or concentrated medicinal doses, and especially the essential oil, have not been well studied for safety.

The essential oil contains pulegone, a compound that in high amounts can be harmful to the liver and kidneys. For this reason, concentrated buchu oil should not be taken internally except under professional guidance.

People with kidney disease, liver disease, or urinary problems should be especially cautious and check with a doctor first. Pregnant women should avoid buchu, since it has traditionally been used to affect the uterus and could be risky. Breastfeeding women should also avoid it because there is not enough safety information. Always talk to a pharmacist or doctor before starting buchu.

Side effects

Buchu can cause stomach or digestive upset in some people. Its diuretic effect may increase urination. The essential oil can irritate the skin, mouth, or stomach lining.

More serious concerns are mostly linked to the essential oil and its pulegone content, which in high doses has been associated with liver and kidney damage. Allergic reactions are also possible. Stop using buchu and seek medical care if you notice a rash, swelling, trouble breathing, or signs of liver or kidney problems.

Dosing

There is no well-established standardized dose for buchu. Traditional preparations include teas made from the dried leaf and tinctures, but reliable human studies have not confirmed a safe and effective amount.

If you choose to use a buchu product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed them. Avoid taking the concentrated essential oil internally. Because doses and product quality vary, it is best to check with a pharmacist or doctor before use.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Buchu & Pregnancy

Likely Unsafe

When used in medicinal amounts; buchu is reported to be an abortifacient.

Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.

Buchu & Breastfeeding

Possibly Safe

When used in food amounts. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of using larger amounts; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 3 references that drive our Buchu monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines. 1st ed. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp., 1999.
Moolla A, Viljoen AM. 'Buchu' - Agathosma betulina and Agathosma crenulata (Retaceae): a review. J Ethnopharmacol 2008;119(3):413-9.

Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Buchu

206 brands in our database make a supplement containing Buchu.

EFX Sports 46 products Elevate Recovery Supplements 35 products EN Enraged 25 products Energetix 283 products EVOchem 2 products Excitement Dietetics 4 products eXplicit Supplements 79 products Extreme Products 32 products Faktrition 16 products Fitlife Brands 2 products Fortify 16 products Foster Regal 134 products FoxyFit 6 products Futurebiotics 150 products Garden Greens 49 products Genestra Brands 998 products GNC Beyond Raw 212 products GNC Men's 62 products GoldStar Performance Products 4 products Good 'N Natural 724 products Hawaii Pharm 4,726 products Health Plus 115 products Health Thru Nutrition Naturally 123 products Healths Harmony 63 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Buchu

562 products in our database contain Buchu. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Buchu: Common Questions

Does Buchu interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 483 medications with a known interaction with Buchu. Use the checker above to see how Buchu interacts with a specific drug.

How are Buchu interactions rated?

Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.

Is it safe to take Buchu with my medications?

It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.

Where does this Buchu interaction information come from?

Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.

What is Buchu commonly used for?

Buchu is traditionally used for urinary and bladder complaints, as a diuretic to increase urine flow, and for bloating. It is also used as a flavoring and fragrance, though strong human evidence for its health uses is lacking.

Is Buchu safe to take?

In small food and flavoring amounts it is generally considered acceptable, but medicinal doses are not well studied. The essential oil contains pulegone, which can be harmful in large amounts, so it should not be taken internally without professional guidance.

Can I use Buchu while pregnant or breastfeeding?

No. Buchu has traditionally been thought to affect the uterus, so it should be avoided during pregnancy. There is also not enough safety information for breastfeeding, so it is best avoided then too.

Does Buchu actually work for urinary infections?

There is no good human evidence that Buchu treats urinary tract infections. If you have symptoms of a UTI, see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment instead of relying on Buchu.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Buchu

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Buchu — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 562 products with Buchu →

Where next

Supplement interaction checkerCheck any supplement or product against your medications Drug–drug interactionsCheck two or more of your medications against each other Browse medications A–ZEvery drug we’ve checked against herbs & supplements NDC & pricing lookupFind a drug’s NDCs, packaging and costs Ask a pharmacistFree, personal answer from our licensed team

Have a question about Buchu?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist