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Nov 23 / 2021

Boldo, what is it for

The boldo It is a shrub used by the Mapuche (indigenous) to treat different ailments, such as rheumatism, digestive disorders and even liver. It is also called boldea, cimarrón, romadizo lemon or lemongrass since its leaves, when rubbed, give off a characteristic aroma reminiscent of lemon and coriander.

The parts that are used in phytotherapy they are its leaves, although some countries also use the Cortex. Its active principles are easily extracted in an alcoholic medium and its intense fragrance is transmitted to the urine if it is taken for a long time.

The most common way to take this plant is in infusion. In addition, we can find it in other types of presentations such as dry extract in the form of capsules, in essential oil, in syrup or hydroalcoholic extract to drink dissolved in a liquid. At present, it is one of the medicinal plants most used in herbal recipes for treat the liver and gallbladder. In any of the cases, and to avoid risks, the recommended doses should be that its consumption has been advised.

Boldo essential oils and other components

In its composition we find 4 types of components among which the essential oils stand out:

  • Essential oils: the most important essential oils present in boldo are cineole, eucalyptol and ascarides ascarides are responsible for the characteristic smell and have sedative, expectorant, anti-inflammatory and carminative properties (They help eliminate gases).
  • Flavonoids: they are very beneficial for our organism because they attribute to them the ability to considerably reduce the risk of suffering from some heart diseases.
  • Tannins: present in the bark of boldo, they are recognized for their important antioxidant properties.
  • Alkaloids: the most notable alkaloid is boldine with very specific properties liver and gallbladder.

    • Boldo health benefits

    Next, we highlight the most important properties for which boldo is used as a treatment and supplement in different conditions.

  • Liver and gallbladder: Boldo contains about twenty alkaloids, among which boldine stands out. Boldine stimulates the functioning of the gallbladder and has beneficial properties on the liver. It is capable of changing the chemical composition of the bile preventing the formation of gallstones or stones in the gallbladder.
  • Lower cholesterol: Boldo is a suitable plant to reduce blood sugar, since it purifies the liver and cholesterol from the bile, helping to eliminate these fats from the body. People with jaundice, cirrhosis and fatty liver can benefit from its effects.
  • Digestive system: its characteristic fragrance and aroma given off by the plant gives it an invigorating effect on the digestive system, especially thanks to the cineole essential oil, which has a hepatotonic and stomach-protective effect.
  • Stomach pain and discomfort: it can be a good remedy for stomach pain and discomfort as well as gastritis through infusions and herbal teas. As well as using it as a spice in the kitchen, it will help lighten digestions.
  • Gas and flatulence: another essential oil such as ascardiol is a component with antiflatulent, sedative and slightly analgesic effect. Using herbal teas or boldo as a condiment in people with gas problems, a swollen belly, meteorism and wind can be a good treatment.
  • Laxative: it must be taken into account that boldo treatments can give a slightly laxative effect due to its choleretic properties.
  • Sleep better: shows sedative and calming effects on the nervous system. Boldine has a slightly hypnotic effect. It can be indicated for people with occasional insomnia, nervousness, stress and anxiety.
  • Cough and respiratory infections: the essential oil, eucalyptol, also present in greater quantity in the essential oil of eucalyptus has expectorant properties and against colds. They are prepared like boldo syrup to treat coughs and chest congestion. In addition, due to its antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and hepatic properties, this plant can be a great help as an adjunct to the treatment of respiratory infections.

    • Do you have any contraindications?

    The consumption of boldo in its different forms is contraindicated in case of obstruction of the bile ducts and severe liver diseases, since in these cases digestive rest is advisable. It is also not recommended for those diagnosed with kidney disease since, sometimes, it has associated irritation in the kidneys. By the presence of alkaloids, should not be taken during pregnancy, especially during the first three months of gestation, because it can cause abortion or cause malformations in the fetus, lactation and in childhood. As with many medicinal plants, the properties and effects of boldo can vary or alter its effect by interact with certain drugs, and even reduce the effect of these. The main interaction occurs with taking oral anticoagulants. This is due to a substance called coumarin, which is a natural anticoagulant, which significantly increases the risk of bleeding. It should be noted that the treatments of more than four weeks are contraindicated.

    How to make a boldo infusion

    This tea is very useful after a day of abuse, excessive alcohol or consumption of foods high in fat, as it contains a substance call lactone, which helps digest consumed fats. It also helps deflate the belly and fight gas because it is an excellent digestive. It is important to drink the tea immediately after its preparation and not to add sugar, because it ferments and interferes with the digestion process.

    Ingredients: 1.5-2.5 g of dried boldo leaves 200-250 ml of water. Elaboration: Add the leaves of the plant to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for a few minutes. The infusion should be taken several times a day and immediately after being prepared. You should not take more than 10 g of dry leaf per day or more than four weeks in a row.

    You can also prepare Boldo Syrup whose preparation is very simple. You just have to put 6 0g of dried boldo leaves in 1 liter of water, bring both components to a boil and add 400 g of brown sugar or quality honey. Store in an airtight glass bottle.

    • The boldo contains about twenty alkaloids, among which boldine stands out, which stimulates the functioning of the gallbladder and beneficial properties on the liver.
    • Its characteristic fragrance gives it a toning effect on the digestive system, especially thanks to the cineole essential oil that has a hepatotonic effect and stomach protector.
    • Use it in the form of herbal tea or as a condiment in people with gas problems, a swollen belly, bloating and wind, it can be a good treatment.

    Informative note

      «The contents included in this section offer information related to existing therapies explained by specialists with experience in the field with an informative objective. MAPFRE does not intend under any circumstances to position itself on its suitability or expressly promote its use. "

    Alessandra huerta Naturopathic Specialist


    (Updated at Apr 14 / 2024)

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