Boldo

Other Names : Peumus boldus, Boldu boldus, Boldea fragrans, boldus, boldoa, boldea.
Boldo is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to central Chile and Peru

Special Precautions of Boldo

• Toxicities : Serious health hazards exist with internal use. Patients with kidney disorders, liver disease, gallstones, and other medical illnesses should not use this herbal. Large doses cause paralysis and death.
• Pregnancy/nursing : Documented adverse effects from the irritant oil. Avoid use.
• Boldo ingestion may enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. Patients taking warfarin should consult their health care provider before taking boldo or other herbal products.
• Boldo is known to be a CNS stimulant.

Health Benefits and uses of Boldo are

• In North America, boldo is arguably best known as a liver tonic and for its ability to stimulate the production of bile. The tea may help to treat a variety of liver and gallbladder-related disorders such as jaundice, hepatitis and gallstones. The tea is also used to stimulate the appetite, enhance digestion, promote bowel health and relieve flatulence and constipation
• In Chile, the yellowish-green fruit is eaten, its bark used in tanning, and its wood used for charcoal. Boldo leaves have been used by South American natives against diseases of the liver and for the treatment of gallstones.
• The plant is used in homeopathy in the treatment of digestive disorders, as a laxative, choleretic (a stimulant of bile secretion), diuretic, and for hepatic diseases.
• The leaves also have been used for worms, urogenital inflammations (eg, gonorrhea, syphilis), gout, rheumatism, head colds, and earaches.
• Boldo extract is used as a flavoring for alcoholic beverages. An ethnobotanical survey is available, demonstrating boldo's importance in Guatemalan culture as a medicinal plant.
• GI disorders : Boldo and boldine (an alkaloid present in boldo) extracts are known to exhibit choleretic properties (stimulating bile flow). Boldo is an ingredient found in some liver and GI herbal combination products. Boldo in combination with cascara has been used to treat constipation in the elderly.
• Anti-inflammatory/Antipyretic : Boldo has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory and antipyretic (anti-fever) effects. BoldinE is an effective inhibitor or prostaglandin synthesis, part of the inflammatory process. Research reveals no clinical data regarding the use of boldo as an anti-inflammatory and antipyretic.
• Antioxidant : Boldo has been shown to possess cytoprotective (cell protective) and antioxidant properties. While there are some animal studies that show liver cell protection, there are no human clinical studies regarding the use of boldo as a cytoprotective. The antioxidants in boldo leaves can help to reduce free radical-induced damage to your cells and DNA.

Main Combination

• Biliary dyskinesia (stimulation of the gallbladder): Artichoke + Boldo (or Black Radish)
• Chronic constipation : Ispaghul + Boldo

References

Boldo. Review of Natural Products. factsandcomparisons4.0 [online]. 2004. Available from Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Accessed April 16, 2007.