Boldo

Caution🐾

Boldo · (Peumus boldus)

Monimia family (Monimiaceae)

Description

Boldo (Peumus boldus) is an evergreen, aromatic shrub or small tree of the Monimia family, native to the dry hill country of central Chile, reaching heights of about 6 and rarely up to 15 metres. The opposite, leathery leaves are rough on the upper surface and give off a strong, camphor-like scent when crushed. The medicinal part is the dried leaf, known as boldo leaf (Boldi folium). It contains the aporphine alkaloid boldine together with an essential oil rich in ascaridole, p-cymene and 1,8-cineole. Boldo traditionally stimulates the flow of bile and is used for mild digestive complaints and mild spasms of the gastrointestinal tract.

CONTRAINDICATED during pregnancy

Do not use during pregnancy. Safety is not established, and preclinical data showed fetal malformations and occasional abortions at high doses.

CONTRAINDICATED during breastfeeding

Do not use while breastfeeding, as safety is not established and the EMA monograph advises that use be avoided.

CONTRAINDICATED for children

Do not use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age, as data are insufficient.

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.
[#ema_monograph] [#ema_summary] [#wikipedia_de]
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.
[#ema_monograph] [#ema_summary]

🤝 Permaculture Partners

In your garden, this plant acts as:

Pollinator Magnet Medicinal