What is boldo and what is it for?

Boldo is one of the most recurrent plants in modern phytotherapy, which is included in remedies for the liver for its hepatoprotective properties.

It grows on dry moors, stony slopes and open bushy areas. Its flowers are bell-shaped, white or yellow.gathered in clusters and fruits show a color yellowish green.

The native peoples of the Chilean slopes of the Andeswhere the boldo tree grows (Peumus boldus), have consumed its leaves since ancient times. They especially appreciate its fruits, which they take as a spiceand have used the crust to elaborate dyes.

Boldo properties

In the traditional medicinethe boldo has stood out, above all, as an infallible solution to eliminate intestinal parasites. It was used to treat gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis, and south of Peru It was recommended as a purifying remedy to facilitate the expulsion of stones in the gallbladder.

The boldo leaves contain up to 2% essential oil, with terpineol, as well as cineole, linalool and camphor, up to 17 different alkaloidsamong which boldine and isoboldine, as well as flavonoids and tannins, stand out for their therapeutic importance.

Along with his digestive functions and their anthelmintic propertiesthe boldo stands out above all as an excellent plant liver protectorwith an efficacy high enough that it would have deserved greater attention from the scientific community.

• It is indicated as treatment of hepatitis support and in gallbladder disorderssince it prevents the formation of stones and facilitates their elimination when they have occurred. In general, it is recommended to ensure proper functioning of the liver and gallbladder, and to prevent possible dysfunctions.
• The boldo leaf infusionalone or with mint and pennyroyal, helps relieve migraines, especially if they are related to an alteration in the gallbladder.
• Boldo is also diureticand in infusion facilitates the elimination of excess uric acid. It is also anti-inflammatory and antisepticand is indicated in urinary infections such as cystitis.
• Boldo infusions are also taken for sleep: in high doses an effect is attributed anesthetic, sedative and slightly hypnotic.

How to take boldo

Boldo infusion with milk thistle and dandelion for the liver

A very effective formula is the one that associates the boldo with three other hepatoprotective plants such as milk thistle, dandelion and fumitoryin equal parts. One level tablespoon of the mixture per glass of water is enough.

How to prepare it: Boil the mixture for 2 minutes and let it rest for 10 more. It is a purifying infusion that It should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach.

Boldo tea with mint against heavy digestion.

Boldo is indicated for all types of mild digestive disorders, including constipation. A very bitter formula, designed especially for people with a tendency to suffer heavy and slow digestion, is the one that combines the boldo leaves with yellow gentian root, fumaria and mintin equal parts.

How to prepare it: One teaspoon per serving of water is enough. It is scalded, left to infuse for 10 minutes and a little honey is added. It is ideal after a heavy meal.

Precautions and contraindications of boldo

Due to its high alkaloid content boldo should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It should also be avoided in case of bile duct obstruction.

Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist from “El Manantial de Salud”