From Introduction: Buchu leaf is a very widely used household medicine in South Africa, and is usually administered in the form of a brandy tincture or a vinegar, known as "buchu brandy" and "buchu vinegar" respectively. These preparations have a great reputation in curing diseases of the kidney and urinary tract, and in addition are employed as local applications to bruises, and for the relief of rheumatic pains. We owe its introduction into medicine to the Hottentot, who gave the name "buchu" or "bookoo" to any aromatic herb or shrub which they found suitable for use as a dusting powder.