Boldo: what it is useful for, benefits and how to consume it

Boldo is a medicinal plant that contains active substances such as boldine or rosmarinic acid and can be used as a home remedy for the liver due to its digestive and hepatic properties, in addition to possessing diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, for example.

The two most commonly used boldo species are the Chile boldo or true boldo, scientifically called Peumus boldus Molina, which can be found in health food stores and herbalists in the form of dried leaves or in tea sachets, and the Brazilian boldo, Plectranthus barbatus.

Although there are several health benefits, the use of boldo can also have side effects, mainly when consumed in excessive amounts and for more than 20 days, besides being contraindicated in pregnant women, people with acute hepatitis, gallstones, inflammation of the bile ducts or pancreatitis. Therefore, the use of boldo should always be guided by a physician or other health professional with experience in the use of medicinal plants.

Boldo: what it is useful for, benefits and how to consume it

The main benefits depend on the species of boldo used, which include:

1. Stimulates liver function

Boldine, an alkaloid present especially in Chilean boldo and forskolin present in Brazilian boldo, stimulate the production of bile by the gallbladder, helping the liver to work better. These boldo species are very useful in cases of liver problems that produce symptoms such as headache, cold sweats and malaise.

2. Helps in the treatment of gallbladder problems

Boldo stimulates the production and release of bile by the gallbladder, so it can help in the treatment of gallbladder problems. In addition, boldo helps to normalize the functioning of the gallbladder.

3. Improves digestion

Boldo helps to improve digestion, mainly when taken as a tea before meals. In addition, boldine enhances the action of bile that is released in the intestine, aiding in the digestion of fat and relieving poor digestion.

4. Aids in the treatment of gastritis

The alkaloids present in boldo help to control stomach acids and can be very useful in the treatment of gastritis. In addition, the astringent properties of boldo reduce stomach acidity, helping in the treatment of heartburn.

5. Relieves symptoms of food intolerance

Boldo has digestive, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that can help relieve symptoms of some food intolerances such as poor digestion, intestinal colic and excessive gas production.

6. Improves bowel function

The alkaloids present in boldo act as an intestinal relaxant by regulating bowel function, which may be useful in treating constipation. In addition, boldo reduces the production of intestinal gas giving the feeling of a smooth tummy and helps in the treatment of intestinal parasites and infections.

7. Eliminates fungi and bacteria

Boldo can help eliminate bacteria such as:

  • Streptococcus pyogenes, which causes throat infection or erysipelas, for example;

    • Streptococcus pyogenes, which causes throat infection or erysipelas, for example;

  • Staphylococcus aureus, which causes lung, skin and bone infections.

    • Staphylococcus aureus, which causes lung, skin and bone infections.

    In addition, boldo essential oil from Chile has antifungal activity mainly for the fungus Candida sp, which can cause mycosis of the skin. However, boldo should not replace any antibiotic and should only be used under medical guidance.

    8. It has antioxidant action

    Boldo has phenolic compounds in its composition, such as polyphenols and alkaloids, mainly boldine in Chilean boldo, rosmarinic acid and forskolin present in Brazilian boldo, which have antioxidant action, fighting free radicals and reducing cell damage. Thus, boldo helps prevent and combat diseases associated with oxidative stress caused by free radicals such as atherosclerosis.

    9. Improves hangover

    Boldo helps to purify acetaldehyde, which is a substance produced by the liver after alcohol consumption and is mainly responsible for hangover symptoms such as dry mouth, headache and general malaise. In addition, boldine acts as a liver protector, helping to restore that organ.

    10. It has a calming effect

    Boldo is an aromatic plant, with a mint-like odor, having a calming and relaxing effect when used in the form of tea or in a bath soak.

    Does boldo tea work against COVID-19?

    Boldo tea became popular for being able to help fight infection of the new coronavirus. However, there are no scientific studies that prove any action against COVID-19.

    Therefore, although boldo has several health benefits, boldo tea should not be used to treat COVID-19, especially without a doctor’s supervision. Learn more about available treatments for COVID-19.

    How to take boldo

    Boldo can be consumed as a tea or juice using the fresh leaves of Brazilian boldo or the dried leaves of Chilean boldo, which can be purchased at health food pharmacies or herbalists. Boldo tea can be prepared immediately before drinking and the leaves should not be boiled together with water, as this may produce a bitter taste.

  • Boldo tea: add 1 teaspoon of chopped boldo leaves to 150 mL of boiling water. Let steep for about 5 to 10 minutes, strain and drink lukewarm. Boldo tea can be taken 2 to 3 times a day, before or after meals. Another option is to take a cup before bedtime to help digestion after dinner and have a peaceful night;
  • Boldo juice: add 1 tablespoon of chopped boldo leaves tea in 1 glass of cold and half a glass of lemon juice. Mix in a blender, strain and drink afterwards.

    • Another way to use boldo is in immersion baths to soothe and improve symptoms of fatigue and stress, since the aroma of boldo is similar to mint, producing a feeling of well-being. In this case, you can boil 1 liter of water with some boldo leaves for 15 minutes, then add the boldo tea in the bath water and enjoy soaking for approximately 10 minutes.

    Possible side effects

    Boldo is safe in most adults when consumed for a short period of time. However, if boldo is consumed in excessive amounts or for more than 20 days it can cause liver poisoning, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In addition, boldo can increase uterine contractions and miscarriage, besides causing malformations in the baby, mainly if consumed in the first trimester of pregnancy.

    Contraindications

    Boldo is contraindicated in infants, children, pregnant women, lactating women and people with acute hepatitis, gallstone, inflammation of the biliary tract, pancreatitis, liver or biliary tract cancer. In case there is suspicion of pregnancy it is recommended that before using boldo it should be confirmed with a pregnancy test, as boldo can cause miscarriage by increasing uterine contractions.

    Boldo should not be used to treat infection by the new coronavirus, COVID-19, as there are no studies proving the antiviral action of boldo tea or coronavirus.

    It is important to use boldo under the guidance of a physician, phytotherapist or a health professional with specific knowledge in medicinal plants.

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