buchu

[ boo-koo, byoo-kyoo ]

noun

1. any of several southern African citrus shrubs of the genus Agathosma or the genus Diosma, especially A. betulina, A. crenulata, or D. ericoides, whose leaves yield a dark-colored oil formerly used as a urinary antiseptic and mild diuretic.

buchu

/ ˈbuːkuː /

noun

1. any of several S. African rutaceous shrubs of the genus Barosma , esp B. betulina , whose leaves are used as an antiseptic and diuretic

Word History and Origins

Origin of buchu¹

1725–35; < Afrikaans (now spelling boegoe ) < Khoikhoi, first attested as boggoa (1668)

Word History and Origins

Origin of buchu¹

C18: from a South African Bantu name

Example Sentences

The crisp mint, buchu extract and cardamom combo in Molton Brown’s generous-sized body wash promises a cool start to any day.

From Time

Some practitioners state that they have found buchu beneficial.

From Project Gutenberg

“Oh, ghoisters!” said Abe, “there’s the blamed bung come outer the vaitje and not a drop of Dop left, and all the buchu collected for the soaking.”

From Project Gutenberg

“Do you soak the buchu in brandy?”

From Project Gutenberg

Come, my crooked-legged little one, let your mother sprinkle you with buchu!’

From Project Gutenberg