Buchu was popular in the 1800?s as a hangover cure. English patent medicines used it in herbal combinations for treating coughs and colds. Used for inflammation and infection of the kidneys and urinary tract, for bladder irritations, as a disinfectant of the urinary tract, and as a diuretic. Buchu is also often used to treat prostate infections. The primary action of the herb is antimicrobial.