It can be ground and used as a dusting powder. The dried crushed seeds made into a dusting powder will kill lice very effectively. He came up with an alternative of using blue dusting powder from his make-up kit. MgCO is also used in flooring, fireproofing, fire extinguishing compositions, cosmetics, dusting powder, and toothpaste. The name Buchu is from the Khoikhoi word for the plant meaning "dusting powder".