Boldo (Peumus boldus)

What is it?

Boldo is a shrubby plant native to Central Chile and its leaves are used in herbal medicine.

Action

Boldo contains amongst many compounds a flavonoid called boldine, which has diuretic and bile stimulating effects. It is choloretic, a liver tonic, urinary antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.

Uses

Many herbalists recommend Boldo as a general tonic for the liver and gall bladder and as remedy for water retention. Boldo herbal supplements are available as tablets or capsules.

This herb is for short term use only and should not be taken for more than four weeks at a time.

Cautions

Boldo should not be used in pregnancy or during lactation and by people with kidney or liver disease or with liver or gall bladder obstructions.

Generally, there are no side effects or other contra-indications from using Boldo herbal supplements, but it is recommended according to the German E monograph that only ascaridole-free products are used for internal use.

Boldo should not be used for children under the age of 12, unless advised by a qualified herbalist.

When this article was written there were no well-known negative drug interactions with Boldo.

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