The boldo has an antispasmodic effect, it stimulates the production of bile and promotes gastric juice supply. Therefore, various digestive problems can be alleviated with this herb. Below you can learn about the healing benefits of this herb.
Discover the benefits of boldo.
Boldo leaves are recognized as a traditional herbal medicine. They are used for mild liver and gallbladder dysfunction, to treat mild digestive problems, and for the supportive treatment of constipation.
Different alkaloids, flavonoids and two to three percent essential oil (monoterpenes present in it) are the beneficial ingredients of this herb. The main alkaloid is the anticonvulsant Boldin, which stimulates the formation of bile and increases the production and supply of gastric juice.
Anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant effects have also been described for this herb. Antioxidant means that the medicinal plant can intercept aggressive oxygen compounds that damage cells.
How is boldo used?
Its dried leaves are used to prepare a healing boldo infusion. Liquid extracts (such as tinctures) as well as dry extracts such as tablets and capsules are also available.
To make an infusion, two or three grams of cut boldo leaves are used that must be incorporated into 150 milliliters of boiling water and filtered after 10 to 15 minutes. You can take a cup of this hot infusion two or three times a day. The daily dose is approximately 4.5 grams.
You can also combine boldo leaves with other medicinal plants to treat indigestion. For example, dyspepsia (pain in the upper abdomen, bloating, inflammation, heartburn, nausea, vomiting) can be combined with anise, fennel or peppermint. In case of gallbladder function disorders, the addition of celandine or artichoke leaves may be helpful.
What side effects can it cause?
Occasionally, boldo causes allergic reactions. In fair-skinned people, the skin may also be more sensitive to sunlight.
If you have any conditions such as clogged bile ducts, gallstones, gallbladder infections and other related diseases, as well as serious liver diseases, you should definitely go to the doctor.
The ingredient ascaridol, which is found in the essential oil of boldo leaves, has toxic properties. Therefore, only the aqueous extracts or infusions of boldo tea (or homeopathic preparations) should be used therapeutically, but not the pure essential oil and distillates.
Due to the alkaloid content, women should not take boldo during pregnancy. There are no adequate studies on the safety of use in women who are breastfeeding and in children.