As far as its antibacterial properties are concerned, Buchu has been found to have good antibacterial properties against gram positive bacteria and to a lesser extent for gram negative bacteria. In general, however, most Buchu species do not have antifungal properties, except for Agathosma. Arida, which has been found to effectively treat Candida albicans. Buchu’s diuretic activity is attributed to the volatile compound called diosphenol, which irritates the gallbladder, causing urine production, and flavonoids which induce urine production. Some of these flavonoids also have excellent antioxidant properties, allowing Buchu to help prevent and treat ailments that cause oxidative stress, such as atherosclerosis, cancer, diabetics, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases and so forth.  Besides this Buchu oil contains limonene, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties, which allows it to reduce inflammation. Buchu has been tested on mice to determine its analgesic properties, in other words its effectiveness as a pain killer, with the study finding it more effective than aspirin.  The combined benefits of Buchu as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and diuretic renders the plant effective in treating urinary tract infections, kidney disease as well as prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia.  It is also used to stimulate perspiration in rheumatic disease and gout, and as a digestive tonic which treats cholera and stomach complaints, antispasmodic to treat stomach ache, an antipyretic to treat fever, and to treat colds and flu’s.  Besides this, Buchu has been listed as treatment for arthritis, cellulite, nausea, diarrhoea and flatulence.