Boldo: properties, benefits and contraindications of this medicinal plant

What is boldo and what is it for?

Boldo is one of the most common plants in modern phytotherapy, which is included in liver remedies 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 the 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 Cortex To elaborate dyes.

boldo properties

In the traditional medicineboldo 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 stand out for their therapeutic importance, as well as flavonoids and tannins.

together with their digestive functions already their anthelmintic propertiesthe boldo stands out above all as an excellent plant liver protectorwith an efficacy high enough to have deserved greater attention from the scientific community.

It is indicated as treatment of hepatitis support and in gallbladder disorders, since it prevents the formation of stones and facilitates their removal when they have occurred. In general, it is recommended to ensure proper functioning of the liver and gallbladder, and to prevent possible dysfunctions. infusion of boldo leavesalone or with mint and pennyroyal, helps to alleviate 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 it is indicated in urinary infections such as cystitis.Boldo infusions are also taken to sleep: in high doses an effect is attributed anesthetic, sedative and slightly hypnotic.

How to take boldo

Infusion of boldo with milk thistle and dandelion for the liver

A very efficient formula is the one that associates the boldo with three other hepatoprotective plants such as milk thistle, dandelion and fumitory, in equal parts. A very 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 digestions.

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

How to prepare it: Just one teaspoon per serving of water. Blanch, leave to infuse for 10 minutes and add a little honey. It is ideal after a heavy meal.

Boldo precautions and contraindications

Due to its high content of alkaloids Boldo should not be taken during pregnancy or lactation. It should also be avoided in case of Obstruction of the bile ducts.

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