Boldo is an aromatic, richly branched, evergreen shrub that comes under the family Monimiaceae. The scientific name of Boldo is Peumus boldus. It is the only species that comes under the genus Peumus.
History: Fossilized Boldo leaves dated way before thirteen thousand years have been found in Chile with imprints of human teeth. This proves its usage for dietary or medicinal use since ancient times.
Common Names: Boldoa Fragrans, Chilean boldo tree, boldu, Boldo tree
Where does Boldo grow?
Boldo belongs to South America. It also grows in Chile, Peru, South America, Argentina, Bolivia, and Ecuador.
Which part of Boldo is beneficial?
The green berry-like fruit of the Boldo tree is delicious and nutritious and is eaten by the natives. Its bark is used in tanning, and its wood is used for charcoal. The leaves of the Boldo tree are highly beneficial due to its medicinal value. Boldo leaves hold lots of phytochemicals that bring about therapeutic value. The leaves are oval-shaped, waxy, and highly aromatic. It has barely rolled leaf edges. It has many warts-like beads all over the top. The leaves can be gathered throughout the year.
How to use Boldo?
Boldo comes in different forms like capsules, extracts, tea, and tablets. Boldo leaves are used in Chilean cooking just like we use bay leaves. The essential oil of Boldo is also highly beneficial (only for external use).
How to make Boldo tea?
Take one tsp of dried leaves and pour 1 cup of boiling water. Let it stay for 10-15 minutes and drink it warm. Repeat it 2 to 3 times a day. Please do not use this tea for long periods, as it may affect you adversely. Long-term usage of this tea might cause paralysis, and sometimes, it could be fatal, too. The tea should not be taken if the person is suffering from –
- Kidney disorder
- Liver disease
- Patient is on blood-thinning drugs
- Pregnant women
Dosage:
The dosage depends on several factors, such as the age and physical condition of the individual and quite a few other states of affairs. More scientific information must be needed to determine an appropriate range of doses for boldo.
- Boldo extract: 2.5 g daily
- Dried leaves: not exceed 2 grams per day
- Tincture: 1-2 ml 2-3 times per day
- Tea: Take one teaspoon of dried leaves in a pot. Pour 1 cup of boiling water into it. Infuse for around 10 to 15 minutes. You can have this drink three times per day.
What are the side effects of Boldo?
Boldo leaves are considered a safe herb if they follow the dosage instructions. Exceeding the recommended dose and prolonged use can invite side effects.
- Should not be taken along with blood thinning medication, as some components in boldo act as blood thinners. Concurrent usage can cause issues.
- Essential oil of boldo is very toxic and can cause kidney damage if taken in purified form.
- Boldo sometimes triggers some allergic reactions.
- Even a slight overdose can result in dizziness, drowsiness, headache, and vomiting.
- Being slightly laxative, Boldo can bring about diarrhea in some individuals.
Are there any safety concerns or risk factors associated with Boldo?
- It should never be used by lactating or pregnant women.
- Never use boldo if you are experiencing liver issues.
- Should not be given to children.
- Should not be used by individuals experiencing blockage of bile ducts. As boldo increases bile flow, excess bile in the blocked bile duct can create serious issues.
- Should stop having boldo two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
What are the health benefits of Boldo?
1. Heals the liver
Boldo improves the liver’s detoxification and shields the liver from the damage caused by harmful medication and toxins that get into the bloodstream. It is also used as a liver tonic due to its ability to affect bile production. It also positively affects the treatment of problems like hepatitis, gallstones, and jaundice. The tea also cures constipation and flatulence and enhances appetite and digestion.
In a study done on mice where the group of mice livers were induced by cisplatin. At the end of the study, it was found that boldine infusion boldo acted as the protector due to the presence of natural antioxidants. It protected the liver from oxidative hepatic damage, which was caused due to cisplatin. The study finally suggests the herb infusion could be used as chemoprotection. Liver health affects over 2 million people globally (Source).
2. Good for digestive system
Boldo tea, or dried leaf, when combined with other herbs, helps to alleviate digestive issues like loss of appetite, heartburn, constipation, and gas formation. Boldo is also used to get rid of intestinal worms. Boldo tea is an excellent choice to eliminate stomach pain due to indigestion. Boldo tea stimulates bile flow, which helps break down food. Many households in Chile use boldo tea as a remedy for digestive issues (Source).
3. Increases immunity
Boldo enhances the immune system. The immune-boosting property of Boldo is due to its –
- Antimicrobial and anti-bacterial property
- Anti-inflammatory property
- Antipyretic property (brings down the body temperature)
Boldo contains antioxidants like boldine that fight free radicals. This reduces cell damage and promotes healthier aging. Antioxidants in boldo extracts reduce oxidative stress by up to 30% (Source).
Boldo has antimicrobial properties that fight bacteria and fungi. It can boost immunity naturally. “Boldo tea acts as nature’s defense system,” says Dr. Susan Hall (Source).
4. Good for treating arthritis
The anti-inflammatory property of the herb is highly beneficial for those experiencing discomfort and pain from arthritis and rheumatism. Compounds in boldo reduce inflammation. This can ease joint pain and swelling. Some South Americans use boldo leaves directly on sore joints (Source).
5. Stimulates the function of the gallbladder
Boldine, an alkaloid in boldo, urges the gallbladder to function better. It even changes the components in the bile. Thus, it helps to prevent the formation of gallstones.
6. Alleviate migraines and Protect against Manganese-Induced Toxicity
Applying Boldo compressors on the forehead provides fast relief from headaches and migraines.
In another study, it was found that extract of boldo and alkaloids boldine had a positive effect in healing wild flies affected with Mn Toxicity. The study suggests further study to find a potential cure for movement disorders caused by toxicity due to Mn exposure.
7. To treat persisting cough
Boldo syrup, made with 60 grams of dried leaves boiled in one liter of water and 500 grams of sugar (honey is also preferred), effectively treats persisting cough.
8. Diuretic property
The diuretic property of this herb helps to bring down the blood pressure. It also helps to get rid of urinary tract infections. It also helps to pump out the toxins from the blood, thereby benefiting the health of the kidneys.
9. To bring down the cholesterol level
Boldo is used to reduce the cholesterol level. It is scientifically proven that intake of Boldo in the recommended dosage for 90 days significantly reduces the bad cholesterol level.
10. Stimulates blood circulation
Being a blood thinner, Boldo stimulates blood circulation. This will help reduce the chances of blood clots and thereby helps to prevent heart attack and strokes.
Precautions
- Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Its effects on fetal development are not fully understood (Source).
- Consult a doctor before use if you have liver issues. Overuse can worsen liver conditions (Source).
- Do not exceed recommended doses. High doses may lead to severe side effects like nausea or nerve damage (Source).
