- Region
- South America
- Origin
- South America (Chile)
South America · Herb · № 282
Peumus boldus
Herb · South America
Boldo
Peumus boldus
Traditionally attributed effects: stimulates the liver, diuretic.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Kallawaya healing in Bolivia: Not for long periods and not in pregnancy, with gallstones or liver disease.
Preparation
Dried leaves as a short-steeped tea; not for long-term use. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
Boldo grows in central Chile. The word comes from the Mapuche name folo, and the botanist Molina turned it into the scientific name Peumus boldus. Indigenous peoples and later Chileans drink the leaves as tea after meals and for liver and gallbladder complaints; the sweet, fragrant little fruits are edible. The plant reached Europe in the 19th century, where the compound boldine was extracted from it. Boldo tea is a common home remedy throughout Latin America.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Stimulates the liver, diuretic.
Preparation and amount
Leaves.
Kallawaya healing in Bolivia
Attributed effects
For liver and gallbladder complaints and wind. Some healers found boldo from Argentina stronger than Bolivian boldo.
Preparation and amount
Steep a few leaves for 5 minutes.
Caution: Not for long periods and not in pregnancy, with gallstones or liver disease.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)