Boldo

• TeaLeafInternalTraditional use

  Mild dyspepsia and mild gastrointestinal spasms

  Preparation & dosage

  Pour about 150 ml of hot water over 1 to 2 g of comminuted, dried boldo leaf, cover and steep for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain. Drink as an infusion two to three times daily. Prefer water-based preparations, as the poorly water-soluble ascaridole barely passes into the tea. Use short-term only; if symptoms persist for more than two weeks or worsen, seek medical advice.

  Dry amount

  1–2 g

  Doses per day

  3×

  Max duration

  2 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — For adults only. Use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age is not recommended because of insufficient data.

  Sources: [1] [2] [4]

• TinctureLeafInternalTraditional use

  Standardised aqueous dry extract for digestive complaints

  Preparation & dosage

  Standardised dry extracts (5:1, aqueous) of boldo leaf are dosed at up to 400 mg twice daily. Home-made alcoholic tinctures are less suitable, because alcohol extracts more of the concerning ascaridole from the essential oil than water does; commercial preparations tested for ascaridole content are preferable. Use short-term only; if symptoms persist beyond two weeks, seek medical advice.

  Doses per day

  2×

  Max duration

  2 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — For adults only. Use under 18 years of age is not recommended.

  Sources: [1] [2]

Boldo leaf contains an essential oil with a high proportion of ascaridole, which can be liver- and nerve-damaging (hepatotoxic and neurotoxic) at higher doses. The isolated boldo essential oil must never be taken internally; medicinally, only the whole dried leaves are used, preferably as a water-based infusion, because ascaridole is poorly water-soluble. Use must remain short-term (have complaints lasting more than two weeks assessed by a doctor). Do not use in obstruction of the bile duct, inflammation of the bile duct (cholangitis), liver disease, gallstones and other biliary disorders requiring medical supervision. Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. In animal studies, high doses of boldo extract and boldine caused fetal malformations and occasional abortions. Hypersensitivity reactions up to anaphylaxis have been reported. Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.