Among the most popular medicinal plants in Chile, boldo comes from the leaves and bark of the boldo tree, Peumus boldus (Boldea boldus). Native to Chile and Peru, this small evergreen is naturalized to the Mediterranean region. Boldin part of the herb used medicinally-is also found in more than a dozen other or shrubs in the laurel, magnolia, and monimia families.
Fossilized boldo leaves more than 13,000 years old with human teeth Imprint have been found in Chile. Perhaps they were used medicinally by ancient Chileans or chewed simply for their pleasant, refreshing taste.
More than 60 preparations registered in various countries include boldo as an active ingredient. Chile exports about 800 tons of dried boldo leaves each year, mainly to Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, and Italy.
Common doses of Boldo
Boldo comes as a tea, a tincture, and an extract. Some experts recommend the following dose:
- As dried extract, 2.5 grams taken orally daily.
Why people use Boldo herb
- Common cold
- Constipation
- Digestive disorder
- Earache
- Fluid retention
- Gallbladder disorder
- Gonorrhea
- Gout
- Headache
- Intestinal gas
- Liver disorder
- Menstrual pain
- Syphilis
- Tapeworm, pinworm and other worm infection
- Weakness
Side effects of Boldo
Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of boldo:
- exaggerated reflexes
- poor coordination
- seizures.
Large doses of boldo volatile oil may cause poisoning symptoms, including extremely slow breathing.
Interactions
Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Tell your health care practitioner about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you’re taking.
Important points to remember
- Don’t use boldo if you have a central nervous system problem or respiratory disorder.
- Don’t use this herb if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.
- Keep boldo preparations and plants out of children’s reach.
What the research shows
Some studies seem to validate claims for boldo’s use in digestive disorders. Also, recent findings about the herb’s antioxidant and liver -protectlng properties warrant additional investigation.
However, more studies must be done to determine its risks and benefits. Until boldo’s safety and effectiveness are established, medical experts can’t recommend the herb.
Other names for Boldo : –
Other names for boldo include boldine and boldo-do-chile.
Boldo is a minor ingredient in more than 60 preparations used mainly in South America and Europe.